Edisto Island, South Carolina, Natural Sea Island Offering Something for Everyone

As you travel down Highway 174 in the low country of South Carolina you are transported to another time, Edisto Island or Edislow as the locals call it. It's not hard to imagine a bygone era as the majestic live oaks all dawdled up in their Spanish moss wave as you drive by. Old plantation homes still dot the landscape some still glorious and some in ruins. They beckon you like a charming southern belle to visit and sip some sweet iced tea in a rocker on their front porch. With it being a short 45 minute drive from Charleston, SC or I-95, it's easy to slip off the hectic world and fall in love with Edisto Island.

Miles of marsh land create a happy home for all kinds of creatures from shellfish to soaring bald eagles. Stop off at Live Oak landing and the local folks will be sure to show you catch blue crabs with a chicken neck and rope. Onto Edisto Beach, where a visit to Bell Buoy seafood rewards you with fresh off the boat shrimp. Now you have the makings of a perfect Edisto Stew. If you just aren't in the mood for cooking, look for one of the fabulous restaurants. At Dockside, let Bouchie cook you some of his lip smacking catfish stew, over at the Pavilion watch the crashing surf while eating all you can eat fried shrimp on Friday nights, and for landlubbers Ruby Seahorse can cook a mean pimento cheese burger. For an elegant dinner check out the award winning Old Post Office restaurant, a meal you surely will never forget.

With nature being its finest attraction there is no shortage of beauty to behold and activities to keep you busy on Edisto. For kayakers and boaters the ACE basin wildlife preserve is a paradise of tranquil beauty where playful dolphins often try to entice you into a game of hide and seek. On Edisto Beach you can park your car and get everywhere you need to go on the extensive paved bike trails. And the beach, the white sand and crashing surf with public access points every block make playing in the waves and soaking in the sun so easy and fun. Golfers aren't left out on Edisto; take in a round at the Fairfield Ocean Ridge golf course. For more adventure, enjoy thrilling sport fishing with the Governor's Cup Bill fishing tournament held every May, get spooked taking a ghost walk tour to hear the other side of Edisto's long history, or browse local boutiques and art galleries.

Edisto will charm and enthrall you, amaze and relax you. It's a place of wonder that you may never want to depart. So leave your watch behind because here on Edislow, it's Island time.