Quartz Countertops in Sullivan's Island, SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The fifth North Atlantic right whale calf of the season was spotted near Sullivan’s Island last week.

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network stated that South Carolina proves to be an important area for right whales and their newborn calves, which is a beacon of hope for this critically endangered species.

Currently, there are 384 documented right whales, with fewer than 70 of them being reproducing females. Due to stress or a lack of food, these females may give birth every three to ten years.

Last year, 11 documented calves were born, but as many as 20 have been born in other recent years, according to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Institute.

Boat strikes, noise disturbances, entanglement, and habitat degradation are just a few of the difficulties North Atlantic right whales are up against.

Climate change is increasingly raising concerns for North Atlantic right whales. While the southeastern U.S. serves as their calving grounds, the northeastern U.S. is where they forage for food. However, changing ocean conditions, such as rising temperatures, are causing their food supply to shift outside of their typical areas. This situation is putting additional strain on right whales as they search for food in new locations, according to the South Carolina Aquarium.

“Right whales are precious and critically endangered. They are also essential to the ocean, environment, and ecosystem. It’s our responsibility to keep the last ones safe so they don’t disappear forever,” said Lauren Rust, the executive director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network.

The South Carolina Aquarium provides several ways to protect valuable species. These include respecting their habitats by keeping a safe distance, properly disposing of your fishing gear and other litter, and reporting any stranded whales to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-922-5431.

Shipwrecks frequently get lost, but a search for four missing Civil War blockade runners off South Carolina has come to the unusual conclusion that at least three are now buried on land.

The fourth one is still unaccounted for off Fort Moultrie, but it’s also likely buried, according to the S.C. Maritime Research Division.

“Historical records indicate that several American Civil War blockade runners wrecked in the shallow waters around the fort, but their exact locations were forgotten,” the division reported in a social media post.

“Because Sullivan’s Island has been marching steadily southward ... since the construction of the Charleston Harbor jetties, what once was water for ships to wreck in is now dry land. The remains of these vessels are now buried deep below the beach and adjacent woodlot.”

The buried “magnetic anomalies” were found with the help of drones fitted with magnetometers, S.C. underwater archaeologist James D. Spirek told McClatchy News in an email.

“We launched aerial drone magnetometry over the suspected locations of the four wrecks. After a bit of adjusting to the magnetics, we believe we have located at least two or three of them: the Celt and either the Beatrice or Flora ... or both of them, as they lay close together,” Spirek said.

“I’m not sure why we didn’t locate the other one: Presto, as I know that it isn’t in the water. Back in 2001 and again in 2009, we had undertaken marine remote-sensing operations to locate these four and other blockade runners in the water. While detecting several adjacent to Bowman’s Jetty, we did not appear to locate the four. Which gave us the idea that they were now buried under the accreted beach.”

An analysis of their depth hasn’t yet been completed, but it’s estimated the three wrecks are “five feet or more” deep, he said.

“At high tide, most of the Celt would be underwater, but the Beatrice/Flora would still be dry,” he said.

The Celt was a sidewheel paddle steamer that ran ashore while trying to leave the harbor, historians say. Union troops boarded the vessel and “found the back or keel of the hull broken and full of water, decks ripped apart, and the boilers below water along with the machinery, and deemed it worthless to recover,” Civil War Traveler reports. A cargo of cotton was also found and salvaged to be taken North, the site says.

The survey was intended to find the wrecks so they can be protected, officials said. No further archaeological work is planned to find out exactly what survives in the ground.

However, additional drone surveys are planned to determine whether both the Beatrice and Flora were found, Spirek said.

The island in Charleston Harbor was the “first line of defense” for Charleston during the Civil War, and is now part of the National Park System, along with nearby Fort Sumter. The harbor played host to “a protracted struggle from 1861 to 1865 between Confederate defenders and Federal attackers,” the University of South Carolina reports.

Blockade runners were private vessels that worked to sneak cargo through Union blockades of southern ports like Charleston. Wrecks of the ships are today considered “nationally significant cultural resources,” historians say.

Just a twenty minute drive from Charleston’s stoic steeples and stately single houses, Sullivan’s Island, with its storybook cottages and pristine beach, is the charmingly sun-bleached answer to the Holy City’s pomp and circumstance. Sullivan’s is also a secret locals are keen to keep. The small island measures only two and a half miles long, but the town punches well above its weight when it comes to natural beauty, historical significance, curb appeal, and places to eat, drink, and shop. Here are the best things to do on Sullivan’s Island.

Enjoy the Outdoors

With 2.5 miles of Atlantic Ocean-fronting shoreline, Sullivan’s Island’s main draw is its pristine shoreline, a wide sandy stretch prime for sandcastle-building and sunbathing. Called “Stations” as a nod to the trolley line that once ran in the area, the island’s wayfaring points also serve as easy meet-ups for beach access. Each station has its perks: If you want to stay close to the main drag of Middle Street, with all of its restaurants and shops, Stations 21, 22, and 22 ½ are your best bets; If you want to be a little farther from the action and close to the lighthouse, try Station 18 ½.

Connecting the Charleston Light (the iconic black-and-white lighthouse) to Fort Moultrie (the Revolutionary War-era fort that’s now a National Historic Park), this two-mile trail winds through the island’s maritime forest for a different perspective of the spot’s natural beauty.

Savor the Impressive (Especially for Its Size) Food Scene

The Lowcountry is shrimp country, and at this fish-camp-inspired restaurant, you’ll find the best local ones, pulled straight from nearby Shem Creek. Try them fried with garlic aioli or stirred into fried Carolina Gold rice with fresno chilis and XO sauce. If you’ve got a thirsty crew, wash it all down with the Big Fish Jug of Margs.

sullivansseafoodandbar.com; 2019 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

With a menu inspired by local, seasonal ingredients and surrounds informed by the area’s maritime culture, the self-proclaimed “eclectic Southern” restaurant isn’t dishing what you’d necessarily expect for beach-town fare. That’s due largely in part to its chef, two-time James Beard Award nominee Jacques Larson, whose menu includes house-made pastas and “Lowcountry frites,” polenta fries served with comeback sauce. Not in the mood to come off the beach for dinner? Pick up a wood-fired pizza for a sunset picnic on the sand.

theobstinatedaughter.com; 2063 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29483

The sister restaurant to concepts first born in St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Longboard celebrates seafood in its freshest, lightest forms, with dishes like poke bowls, ceviche, and sushi wraps. Don’t miss Oyster Happy Hour (weekdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.), with its rotating selection of the bivalves, served raw, grilled, dressed, or as shooters.

thelongboardsullivans.com; 2213-B Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

When you’ve tired of seafood, settle into this local favorite for a pulled pork sandwich or perfect smoked wings. Better yet, order “The Board” for your crew of beach bums; it’s a sampler of wings, sausage, ribs, pulled pork, and turkey, served with a trio of their memorable sides, like the mac & cheese or collard greens. Be sure to try their signature sipper, the Gamechanger, a frozen fruity concoction with two kinds of rum. They even sell the mix, should you want to make it at home.

hometeambbq.com; 2209 Middle St.; Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

So named for Edgar Allen Poe, the famed poet who was stationed on Sullivan’s Island with the U.S. Army in 1827 and 1828, the gastropub is the town’s destination for burgers and fish tacos. Roll off the beach in your cover-up and flip flops for lunch at one of the umbrella-shaded picnic tables out front.

poestavern.com; 2210 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Shop Local Favorites

Rethink the kitschy airbrushed-tee-filled surf shops you’re accustomed to seeing in beach towns. Generally speaking, that’s not the vibe on Sullivan’s, but especially not at this thoughtfully curated boutique, where Vogue veteran and owner Katie Poole sells effortlessly stylish women’s clothing (think hand-blocked prints and flirty silhouettes) and accessories, along with some kids’ offerings.

bennieandcoco.com; 2213 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC, 29482

Forget the stuffy gallery experiences you’ve had in the past. At this spot on the island’s main drag, you can shop everything from paintings to ceramics. And given that the welcoming spot highlights pieces at a variety of prices, you’re sure to find a memorable keepsake of your time in the Lowcountry. And should you make a detour to Charleston, be sure to visit its downtown counterpart Dare Gallery, on Broad Street, which has a contemporary sculpture garden.

sandpipergallery.net; 2201 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC, 29482

Shop handmade jewelry by SCAD grad Ashley Reid Martin, along with other giftable finds, like natural beauty finds and hand-painted greeting cards, at this bright and airy outpost that’s positioned in the middle of all the action.

shopgoldbug.com; 2205-E Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

This special community gathering spot has a little something for everybody, peddling a wide-ranging collection of art and home and garden goods. Plus, they offer plant-potting services for the green-thumb-challenged and host creative events like sourdough workshops and Mahjong lessons.

makers-post.com; 2019 B. Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

Discover the Area’s History

First settled in the late 17th century, Sullivan’s Island has its own Historic District that’s listed on the National Register. Stroll Middle Street, I’on Avenue, and Central Avenue between Stations 17 and 18 ½ to see private homes that once served as both military properties and residential dwellings and were built between 1870 (like the Dr. John B. Patrick House on Middle Street) through about 1950 (like the Fort Moultrie Chapel on Central Avenue, built in 1944). For true, stop-in-your-stroll cottage charm, make sure to walk past circa-1900 1808 I’On Avenue—a prime example of the architectural type. (Just don’t stare or linger for too long! It’s a private residence.)

Built in 1962 and officially called the Charleston Light, the black-and-white lighthouse that rises above the beach has become synonymous with the island—with most locals referring to it as the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. While it’s not open to the public, you can read the explanatory markers on your way to the beach at Station 18 ½. It also makes for a great photo opp from the sand.

Still under construction as the Revolutionary War began, this coastal garrison (the island’s first) was notably built from palmetto logs and sand. Even so, the British advance was thwarted by the defensive efforts there, saving Charleston from a 1776 occupation (it eventually fell in 1780) and it was renamed for its victorious Commander William Moultrie. The original fell into disrepair, as did the second that was built in its place. Finally, a third brick iteration was completed in 1809. It served as a garrison for the Federal troops, and once they abandoned it, by the Confederacy. It was modernized in the 1870s and was used until World War II. Operated by the National Park Service, it’s worth a visit for anyone interested in military history, as it’s been restored to showcase its various functions from 1809 to 1947.

nps.gov; 1214 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482

Dear Island Neighbors,

I hope your holidays were enjoyable and your new year is off to a very promising beginning.

The start of the year is a perfect time to make sure you’re on top of Town information. You can see the options, and sign up for them, at: https://sullivansisland.sc.gov/residents/town-notification-sign-ups . In particular, please note the Everbridge Emergency Notification System that sends text and/or email alerts concerning road closures, severe weather updates, emergency water main breaks, public works projects and other pertinent information.

Also, please make sure that our Water and Sewer Department has your current phone number for any needed emergency contact when you’re not home. They won’t be able to reach you if all they have is your former land line number, and if you’ve got water spewing from a busted pipe under your house, time is money. Please contact Mary Poole, our Administrative Specialist who handles water and sewer billing. You can call her at 843 883 5733 or email her at mpoole@sullivansisland.sc.gov .

2025 WAS A BUSY YEAR!

This is a logical time to look back on the last year and note the many accomplishments of our great Town staff. Needless to say, while we hit these milestones in 2025, most of them were the results of efforts begun in earlier years.

Flooding Prevention, Stormwater Management and Resilience:

Town Capital Improvements:

Budgeting Processes and Communication:

Public Safety:

Land Use and Natural Resources:

I’m looking forward to our 2026 accomplishments, but until then...

...see you around the Island!

Pat O’Neil Mayor

843-670-9266

oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov

South Carolina is often associated with headline destinations like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, but beyond those familiar names lies a collection of towns that quietly deliver just as much character and cultural depth. These overlooked communities offer travelers a chance to experience the state at a slower, more personal pace while still enjoying meaningful attractions, local history, and memorable scenery. From coastal fishing villages to mountain foothill towns, each place tells a different story about South Carolina’s past and present. Many of these towns reward visitors with walkable downtowns, preserved historic sites, and locally owned restaurants that reflect regional traditions. For travelers who value authenticity, fewer crowds, and destinations that feel genuinely lived in, these South Carolina towns are well worth the detour.

Landrum

Landrum is a small foothills town that serves as a gateway to outdoor exploration while maintaining a distinctly relaxed pace. The walkable downtown features antique stores, cafes, and galleries that invite visitors to browse without crowds. One of these examples, Stone Soup Market & Cafe, is a locally favored establishment serving up American cuisine from breakfast to dinner. One of the area’s most notable landmarks is Campbell’s Covered Bridge, a short drive from town and one of the last remaining covered bridges in South Carolina. Nature-focused travelers are also drawn to nearby hiking areas such as the Blue Wall Nature Preserve, where trails offer scenic views and quieter access to the Blue Ridge foothills.

Seasonal festivals and farmers' markets like Hogback Mountain Day highlight regional crafts and local food, giving visitors a chance to connect with the community. Landrum’s location near the North Carolina border also makes it a convenient stop for road trippers exploring the Carolinas. Landrum is worth visiting because it pairs outdoor access with small-town hospitality, offering an alternative to more commercial mountain destinations.

McClellanville

McClellanville is a working fishing village that offers a rare glimpse into South Carolina’s coastal traditions without the polish of a resort town. Shrimp boats line Jeremy Creek, giving visitors a firsthand look at the seafood industry that still anchors the local economy. A visit to the McClellanville Historic District reveals well-preserved homes and churches that date back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, offering insight into the town’s seafaring past.

Nature lovers are drawn to the nearby Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can explore coastal ecosystems through wildlife viewing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Local dining is another highlight, with restaurants like T.W. Graham & Co. serving fresh seafood that reflects the day’s catch. McClellanville is worth visiting for travelers seeking a genuine Lowcountry experience that feels rooted in tradition rather than tourism trends.

Edisto Island

Offering a coastal experience that feels intentionally preserved, Edisto Island is especially appealing to travelers who want nature, history, and local culture without heavy development. One of the island’s main attractions is Edisto Beach State Park, where visitors can access quiet beaches, walk through maritime forests, and use well-maintained trails for hiking and biking. The park also features educational programs that highlight coastal ecosystems, making it a rewarding stop beyond simple beach time. History plays a strong role on the island, particularly at the Edisto Island Museum, which explores Gullah Geechee heritage, plantation life, and the island’s Reconstruction era through thoughtfully curated exhibits.

For outdoor exploration, the surrounding creeks and tidal waterways are ideal for kayaking and wildlife viewing, with dolphins and coastal birds frequently spotted. Food-focused travelers will appreciate the island’s connection to the sea, with stops like Whaley’s Restaurant & Bar offering locally sourced seafood that reflects daily catches. To grasp a better feel for the local cuisine, stop by Kings Farm Market, a grocery store with locally farmed items and pies and desserts worthy of a trip. Edisto Island is worth visiting because it prioritizes authenticity over convenience, allowing travelers to slow down, learn about Lowcountry history, and enjoy South Carolina’s coast in a way that feels grounded and intentional rather than commercialized.

Beaufort

Beaufort stands out as one of South Carolina’s most historically rich coastal towns, offering travelers an experience that blends preserved architecture, waterfront scenery, and meaningful cultural context. The Beaufort Historic District is central to the town’s appeal, where visitors can walk beneath moss-draped oaks and view antebellum homes that reflect Beaufort’s role during the Civil War and Reconstruction. History is further explored at the John Mark Verdier House, which provides guided tours that explain daily life in the early nineteenth century and the impact of wartime occupation. Along the water, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offers scenic views of the Beaufort River and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Beaufort also works well as a base for exploring Hunting Island State Park, where travelers can climb the historic lighthouse, enjoy uncrowded beaches, and walk maritime forest trails. Dining in Beaufort highlights Lowcountry flavors, with restaurants emphasizing fresh seafood and regional recipes. Beaufort is worth visiting because it delivers depth and walkability, allowing travelers to engage with coastal history while enjoying easy access to nature and a strong local food scene.

Pendleton

Pendleton is a small town that offers a concentrated dose of Upstate South Carolina history and walkable charm. Its historic town square is anchored by buildings that date back to the late eighteenth century, including Ashtabula, one of the state’s oldest surviving homes. The Woodburn Historic House, also known as The Woodburn Plantation, provides a deeper context for early settlement and agricultural life in the region.

Pendleton’s proximity to Clemson University adds subtle energy while keeping the town itself calm and uncrowded. Visitors can enjoy local cafes and antique shops before heading to nearby Lake Hartwell for boating and outdoor recreation. Pendleton is worth visiting for those interested in early American history, paired with small-town accessibility and easy access to both cultural and natural attractions.

Laurens

Laurens offers a compelling travel experience rooted in Revolutionary War history and a steadily revitalized downtown district. The town’s historical narrative is best explored at the Laurens County Museum, which documents Indigenous history, early settlement, and industrial growth through curated exhibits. Just outside town, the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site allows visitors to walk interpretive trails and learn about one of the region’s most important Revolutionary War battles.

Downtown Laurens has become a destination in its own right, anchored by community events and local businesses throughout the year. Locales like The Artist's Co-op provide a glimpse into the art of local artists, with the help of volunteers who unite the community. Nearby, Lake Rabon offers a boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic shelters, and more to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors. The town is worth visiting because it balances historical depth with visible renewal, offering visitors a chance to experience a place that honors its past while actively shaping its future.

Hartsville

Shaped by education, green space, and a growing arts presence, Hartsville offers travelers a well-rounded small-town experience that goes beyond a quick stop. The influence of Coker University is visible throughout town, contributing to cultural programming, events, and a youthful but balanced energy. One of Hartsville’s most notable attractions is Kalmia Gardens, a protected natural area featuring walking trails, seasonal blooms, and native plant species that highlight the Pee Dee region’s ecology.

For those interested in local history and creativity, the Hartsville Museum provides insight into the town’s development, while the restored Center Theater hosts films, performances, and community events that anchor downtown life. Hartsville’s manageable size and thoughtful mix of attractions make it especially appealing for travelers who enjoy college town culture without the congestion of larger cities. It is worth visiting for its blend of education, nature, and arts, all woven into a town that feels active yet comfortably paced.

Garden City

Rather than competing with nearby resort hubs, Garden City succeeds by offering a calmer, more approachable version of South Carolina’s coast. The town centers around the Garden City Pier, a longtime gathering place where visitors can fish, enjoy live music, or take in sweeping ocean views without the crowds typical of larger beachfront destinations. The shoreline itself feels more residential, attracting travelers who value space, walkability, and a quieter atmosphere. Just a short drive away, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk expands dining options with waterfront restaurants known for fresh seafood and Lowcountry staples. Here, you can also explore Brookgreen Gardens, a botanical garden with life-sized sculptures and a zoo with local animals.

Outdoor recreation plays a major role here, with opportunities for paddleboarding, fishing charters, and dolphin watching in the surrounding marshes and tidal creeks. Before leaving, be sure to stop by The Gulf Stream Cafe, a seafood and steak eatery with live music and seasonal oyster roasts. Garden City is especially appealing for families and couples who want coastal amenities without an overly commercial setting. It is worth visiting because it delivers a classic beach experience that feels relaxed and lived in, offering both recreation and downtime in equal measure.

Sullivan's Island

Positioned just outside Charleston, Sullivan’s Island offers a refined coastal escape where history, community, and natural beauty intersect. The island’s past is deeply embedded in its landscape, particularly at Fort Moultrie, where visitors can explore exhibits detailing centuries of military history from the Revolutionary War through the twentieth century. For those looking to take in the historic feel, visit the Edgar Allen Poe Library, a small branch library located in historic Battery Gadsden, a former military battery. Sullivan's Island Beach is another major draw, known for its wide shoreline, gentle waves, and notably uncrowded feel compared to nearby alternatives. Exploring the island by bike is popular, with flat roads and dedicated paths connecting residential areas to the waterfront.

Along Middle Street, visitors will find a curated mix of restaurants and casual eateries that prioritize quality and local ingredients rather than volume, such as Poe's Tavern, a popular restaurant named after the literary figure. Architectural preservation and zoning limits have helped maintain the island’s character, giving it a cohesive and intentional feel. Sullivan’s Island is worth visiting for travelers who want a coastal destination that offers more than scenery, combining walkable beaches, thoughtful dining, and meaningful historical context in one compact setting.

South Carolina’s overlooked towns reveal a side of the state that rewards curiosity and intentional travel. These destinations offer more than scenic backdrops, providing meaningful experiences rooted in history, local culture, and everyday life. Whether it is walking through a preserved historic district, exploring coastal wildlife refuges, or supporting locally owned businesses, each town invites visitors to engage more deeply with their surroundings. By venturing beyond the most publicized destinations, travelers gain a richer understanding of South Carolina’s regional diversity. These towns prove that some of the most memorable journeys come from places that quietly excel, offering authenticity, accessibility, and a strong sense of place.