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Typically, small cities depart a long-lasting mark larger and higher than the world’s most sought-after locations.
Greeted with “how ya doin‘?” as a substitute of “hold 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 may have you ever coming again time and again.


For instance, after I go to Texas occasionally, I typically discover myself in search of 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, you might 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 Greatest Saved Secret
Virtually a stone’s throw from one of many South’s hottest cities to take pleasure in wealthy historical past, epic eats, and timeless appeal is Sullivan’s Island, providing most 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 would possibly hear of most vacationers making their method to Myrtle Seashore, 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 in search of a tranquil seaside 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 if you happen to please.


Whilst you might 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 isn’t any 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: Loads 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 big issue by a number of wars, together with floor zero for the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, vacationers can go to preserved constructions like Fort Moultrie, holding intriguing reveals and sweeping views of the encompassing surroundings.
Fort Moultrie additionally overlooks Fort Sumter, one other important website, however you may have to detour again to Charleston to have the ability to attain the ladder through ferry.
Whereas it might be tempting to seize a chew 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 may have you ever asking for further napkins.


Southern Residing overrated a number of totally different spots, relying in your palate. If you happen to’re as much as slurping down oysters, try The Longboard’s ‘Completely happy Hour’.
If you happen to’re the sort to nibble each final little bit of ribs, then House Workforce BBQ is only for you. However, if it had been me, I might 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 important 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 seaside vacation spot.


Sullivan’s Island Seashore holds a powerful 4.7 Google Score, largely partly attributable to a lot open house, not like, say, Myrtle Seashore.
Station 18 Seashore can be a tranquil spot, boasting white sand and calm waves, identical to Sullivan’s Island Seashore.
One of the crucial underrated features, 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 Seashore, properly value 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 motels right here. Sullivan’s Island is all about cozy leases.


Lining the shores from Sullivan’s Island by next-door Isle of Palms are rows of beachside cottages.
You possibly can guide in a wide range of methods, resembling Airbnb, Reserving.com, or by looking out native companies.
There’s nonetheless loads of occupancy to cap off winter with a calming getaway. I scoured the interwebs for the proper seaside cottage, and this one is my favourite.
Costing solely $410 for a weeklong keep, it is situated straight subsequent to the aforementioned Fort Moultrie and with rapid seaside entry and walkable to Sullivan’s Island’s Nature Path.
Plus, who would say no to free wine at check-in?!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.