Charleston, SC is truly one of the jewels of the South. With so many different activities to choose form, it can be hard to decide what to do, let alone where to live. We have world-class marinas, golf, fishing, and water sports, coupled with natural beauty that is second to none. Top it off with Charleston’s wealth of restaurants, bars, and culture, and you’ll see why Charleston, SC is the place to be. Please use the following as a short guide to the area, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Downtown Charleston
Created by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers’ quests for the Atlantic ocean, the Charleston Peninsula is the focus of life and culture in our area. Originally settled in 1670 by British immigrants, Charleston was a booming seaport from the start. Settlers originally settled on the banks of the Ashley River which is the site of current day Charlestown Landing, a park dedicated to the lives of the early settlers. As the growing town spread onto the peninsula, Charleston became the wealthiest town in the new World as evidenced by grand antebellum mansions still maintained today. Probably the best way to see historic Charleston is by a horse-drawn carriage tour. Today, Charleston is a hub for art, culture, and cuisine in the new south. From the trendy shops of upper King Street to Charleston Place, an Orient Express Hotel, once you visit, you will want to stay forever.
Sullivans Island
Marking the north end of Charleston Harbor, Sullivan’s Island is probably the most historic of Charleston’s barrier islands. The site of Fort Moultrie, where the United States won a key victory against England in the War for Independence, Sullivan’s Islands military history is still there for everyone to see. Many of the Officer’s Quarters are still in existence as private houses, and even some the ammunition bunkers have been converted into housing. Sullivan’s has some of the quietest beaches in the area (all are public) and great restaurants and bars, such as Atlanticville, High Thyme, and Dunleavy’s Pub.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms, the next island north after Sullivan’s Island, is both a vacationer and a resident’s paradise. Originally named Hunting Island and then Long Island, Isle of Palms received its current name in 1899. Isle of Palms was linked by bridge in 1946 when the bulk of it was purchased by J.C. Long. As he began development, J.C. Long provided low-cost housing to veterans returning from World War II. The Isle of Palms slowly developed into a residential bedroom community of greater Charleston while still maintaining its charm, natural beauty, and desirability as a summertime getaway destination. Isle of Palms offers six miles of pristine beaches, activities such as surfing and eco-tours, and waterfront dining at many restaurants such as The Boathouse and Morgan Creek Grill at the Isle of Palms marina.
Mount Pleasant
Across the Cooper River from the Charleston Peninsula you’ll find the residential community of Mount Pleasant. Originally a small collection of summer homes in what we now call the Old Village, Mt. Pleasant was connected to Charleston in 1928 with the Grace Memorial Bridge and again in 1966 with the Silas M. Pearman Bridge, or “new bridge” to those that lived here. They were both removed in 2005 with the construction of the eight lane Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Mt. Pleasant is now how to many residential communities such as Dunes West, Park West, I’on, and Charleston National. The recently opened Towne Centre also offers great shopping. There are also world class golf courses in Patriot’s Point and Charleston National as well as the aircraft carrier Yorktown which is available for tours at Patriot’s Point.
Dewees Island
Dewees Island is a small barrier island to the north of Isle of Palms. There is a small environmentally conscious residential community on Dewees that was designed to live in harmony with its natural surroundings. A 1200 acre island, once fully developed, 95% of the island will remain in its natural state. There is no road access to Dewees, and there are no cars allowed on the island, only golf carts. Dewees Islanders truly have a more relaxed view on life, even more relaxed than neighboring Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Islands!
Wild Dunes
In the 1970’s the rest of the world discovered the joys of the Isle of Palms, and real estate development blossomed. In 1975, the Sea Pines Co., one of the major developers of now renowned Hilton Head Island, established a similar resort enterprise on 900 acres of land at the northeast end of the island. Originally named The Isle of Palms Beach and Racquet Club, it was renamed The Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club in 1984 and today is simply called Wild Dunes. With nationally recognized golf courses and other resort amenities, Wild Dunes has become a major vacation locale on the South Carolina coast as well as home for many full and part time residents.
