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Sometimes, small towns leave a lasting mark bigger and better than the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Greeted with “how ya doin‘?” instead of “keep it movin” where you feel like just another face in the crowd, the South is teeming with hidden gems and quaint getaways that will have you coming back again and again.
For example, when I visit Texas on occasion, I often find myself seeking out the small towns of Grapevine, Gruene, and Socorro, depending on where I am in the state, but certainly not Dallas or Austin.
Same goes for any state, but in this case, you may want to skip out on the tourist crowds of ever-so-trendy Charleston in favor of an idyllic, pint-sized island just 20 minutes away.
Sullivan’s Island: South Carolina’s Best Kept Secret
Practically a stone’s throw from one of the South’s most popular cities to indulge in rich history, epic eats, and timeless charm is Sullivan’s Island, offering many of the same delights without hordes of visitors and overpriced menus.
This 3.5-mile-long barrier island is nestled along the Atlantic between numerous neighboring islands and, yes, Charleston.
Typically, you might hear of most vacationers making their way to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s renowned coastal vacation spot lined with beachside resorts and a buzzing boardwalk, but Sullivan’s Island has gotta be the state’s best-kept secret.
Those seeking a tranquil beach getaway should look no further than Sullivan’s Island, boasting a very walkable rustic downtown easy to peruse local shops, galleries, and bar-hop if you please.
While you may not see restaurants run by acclaimed chefs featured by the Food Network, among others, as you will in Charleston, you will discover homey southern comfort foods intermixed with “catch of the days” straight from the source.
Better yet, you won’t have to spend a fraction of your paycheck on a cup of coffee since there’s no Starbucks, a small example portraying the island’s far less touristy vibes without the eyesores of chain restaurants 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, but many historic sites remain.
Having played a significant factor through multiple wars, including ground zero for the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, tourists can visit preserved structures like Fort Moultrie, holding intriguing exhibits and sweeping views of the surrounding scenery.
Fort Moultrie also overlooks Fort Sumter, another significant site, but you’ll need to detour back to Charleston to be able to reach the ladder via ferry.
While it may be tempting to grab a bite to eat in one of the country’s most popular foodie cities, Sullivan’s Island’s food scene is nothing to sleep on, with exceptional seafood and mouthwatering barbecue that will have you asking for extra napkins.
Southern Living hyped up a few different spots, depending on your palate. If you’re up to slurping down oysters, check out The Longboard’s ‘Happy Hour’.
If you’re the type to nibble every last bit of ribs, then Home Team BBQ is just for you. But, if it were me, I’d be feasting on a burger at Poe’s Tavern, an establishment dedicated to famed poet Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed on Sullivan’s Island as a private in the Army in the 1800s.
Who woulda thunk it?
Tranquil Beaches & Cozy Cottages With Free Wine
As delightful as Sullivan’s Island’s main strip and as fascinating and photo-worthy as the numerous historic sites may be, at its core, this island is a year-round beach destination.
Sullivan’s Island Beach holds an impressive 4.7 Google Rating, largely in part due to so much open space, unlike, say, Myrtle Beach.
Station 18 Beach is also a tranquil spot, boasting white sand and calm waves, just like Sullivan’s Island Beach.
One of the most underrated aspects, once you leave Charleston proper, is the ability to island-hop the region.
Next to Sullivan’s Island, just past a small canal inlet, is Isle Palms Beach, well worth a day trip to see what it’s all about with equally scenic beaches.
But where should you stay? You won’t find name-brand hotels here. Sullivan’s Island is all about cozy rentals.
Lining the shores from Sullivan’s Island through next-door Isle of Palms are rows of beachside cottages.
You can book in a variety of ways, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or by searching local agencies.
There’s still plenty of occupancy to cap off winter with a relaxing getaway. I scoured the interwebs for the perfect seaside cottage, and this one is my favorite.
Costing only $410 for a weeklong stay, it’s located directly next to the aforementioned Fort Moultrie and with immediate beach access 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 originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
