Final Up to date
Generally, small cities go away a long-lasting mark greater and higher than the world’s most sought-after locations.
Greeted with “how ya doin‘?” as a substitute of “preserve it movin” the place you are feeling like simply one other face within the crowd, the South is teeming with hidden gems and quaint getaways that can have you ever coming again repeatedly.

For instance, once I go to Texas now and again, I usually discover myself searching for out the small cities of Grapevine, Gruene, and Socorro, relying on the place I’m within the state, however definitely not Dallas or Austin.
Similar goes for any state, however on this case, chances are you’ll wish to skip out on the vacationer crowds of ever-so-trendy Charleston in favor of an idyllic, pint-sized island simply 20 minutes away.
Sullivan’s Island: South Carolina’s Finest Saved Secret
Virtually a stone’s throw from one of many South’s hottest cities to bask in wealthy historical past, epic eats, and timeless allure is Sullivan’s Island, providing lots of the similar delights with out hordes of tourists and overpriced menus.
This 3.5-mile-long barrier island is nestled alongside the Atlantic between quite a few neighboring islands and, sure, Charleston.
Usually, you may hear of most vacationers making their strategy to Myrtle Seaside, South Carolina’s famend coastal trip spot lined with beachside resorts and a buzzing boardwalk, however Sullivan’s Island has gotta be the state’s best-kept secret.
These searching for a tranquil seashore getaway ought to look no additional than Sullivan’s Island, boasting a really walkable rustic downtown straightforward to peruse native retailers, galleries, and bar-hop should you please.
When you could not see eating places run by acclaimed cooks featured by the Meals Community, amongst others, as you’ll in Charleston, you’ll uncover homey southern consolation meals intermixed with “catch of the times” straight from the supply.
Higher but, you will not need to spend a fraction of your paycheck on a cup of espresso since there is no Starbucks, a small instance portraying the island’s far much less touristy vibes with out the eyesores of chain eating places ruining the townscape’s character.
Historic Websites & Epic Eats: Lots To Do, See, And Indulge
Initially named O’Sullivan Island after early settler Captain Florence O’Sullivan, the “O” has since been dropped, however many historic websites stay.
Having performed a major issue by way of a number of wars, together with floor zero for the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, vacationers can go to preserved buildings like Fort Moultrie, holding intriguing displays and sweeping views of the encompassing surroundings.
Fort Moultrie additionally overlooks Fort Sumter, one other important web site, however you will must detour again to Charleston to have the ability to attain the ladder through ferry.
Whereas it might be tempting to seize a chunk to eat in one of many nation’s hottest foodie cities, Sullivan’s Island’s meals scene is nothing to sleep on, with distinctive seafood and mouthwatering barbecue that can have you ever asking for further napkins.
Southern Residing puffed up a couple of completely different spots, relying in your palate. When you’re as much as slurping down oysters, try The Longboard’s ‘Pleased Hour’.
When you’re the sort to nibble each final little bit of ribs, then Dwelling Crew BBQ is only for you. However, if it had been me, I would be feasting on a burger at Poe’s Tavern, an institution devoted to famed poet Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed on Sullivan’s Island as a non-public within the Military within the 1800s.
Who woulda thunk it?
Tranquil Seashores & Cozy Cottages With Free Wine
As pleasant as Sullivan’s Island’s essential strip and as fascinating and photo-worthy because the quite a few historic websites could also be, at its core, this island is a year-round seashore vacation spot.
Sullivan’s Island Seaside holds a formidable 4.7 Google Ranking, largely partly on account of a lot open house, in contrast to, say, Myrtle Seaside.
Station 18 Seaside can also be a tranquil spot, boasting white sand and calm waves, similar to Sullivan’s Island Seaside.
One of the vital underrated points, as soon as you permit Charleston correct, is the power to island-hop the area.
Subsequent to Sullivan’s Island, simply previous a small canal inlet, is Isle Palms Seaside, effectively price a day journey to see what it is all about with equally scenic seashores.
However the place must you keep? You will not discover name-brand lodges right here. Sullivan’s Island is all about cozy leases.
Lining the shores from Sullivan’s Island by way of next-door Isle of Palms are rows of beachside cottages.
You may e-book in a wide range of methods, corresponding to Airbnb, Reserving.com, or by looking native companies.
There’s nonetheless loads of occupancy to cap off winter with a soothing getaway. I scoured the interwebs for the right seaside cottage, and this one is my favourite.
Costing solely $410 for a weeklong keep, it is situated instantly subsequent to the aforementioned Fort Moultrie and with rapid seashore entry and walkable to Sullivan’s Island’s Nature Path.
Plus, who would say no to free wine at check-in?!
↓ Elevate Your Journey↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Large Financial savings, Day by day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your electronic mail tackle to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.