Outdoors

The Best Kayaking Along Isle Of Palms

Posted on: November 24, 2020

What better way to explore the beautiful Isle Of Palms than by paddling through it yourself. You can explore the Lowcountry while relaxing in a kayak on top of the water. As one of the best places to go kayaking in South Carolina, the area is known for being the most diverse Coastal Ecosystems on the Eastern seaboard.

From bringing your own to renting a kayak, or even taking a kayak tour, you are bound to have a great time. It is vital to take caution when out on the water as there will be other boats, as well as tides and currents to look out for.

For your planning ease, we have created the best places to do all things kayaking related.

Customized Group Tours:

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For those who are interested in group ecotour there are many different options. No matter if you want to rent a boat charter, take an overnight trip, or even customize an itinerary, these are all doable. There are many ways to dive into the beautiful Lowcountry water weather on kayak or boat, your whole group will love the group tour. Tours can take you to some highly trafficked areas to see what all the buzz is about, as well as some more secluded places to see and observe wildlife.

Kayak Rentals

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Explore the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline on the eastern seaboard. Charleston, South Carolina has many kayak rentals ranging all the way from Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and many more. From single to double kayaks, these companies are one-stop shops for all of your kayaking needs. Try out Coastal Expeditions, Charleston Outdoor Adventures, Nature Adventures, Charleston Kayak Company, or Sea Kayak Carolina.

Kayak rentals can range from hourly to half-day, full-day, or week-long rentals. Rentals are typically equipped with the kayak of your choice, single, double, or even a tandem kayak, life jacket and a paddle. Some of the kayaks will be sit-in while others will be sit-on. Sit-on’s are easier for those who have never kayaked before. Tandem kayaks are great if you are riding with children who are not going to paddle. This makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy a day out on the water.

Kayaking and Boat Tours

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Many companies will also offer paddle boarding options, as well as kayaking on the oceanfront or the salt marsh. You can even request or purchase a guided tour for newer kayakers just getting started. Kayaking tours are a great option for those who may be just visiting and uncertain of the surrounding area. Guided tours allow you to rely less on finding your way around and gives you the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife. It is not uncommon that you may see a few pelicans, sea turtles, egrets, or many other exciting animals and mammals.

Where To Kayak

Depending on whether or not you would prefer kayaking in the blackwater or between the barrier islands, may determine where you rent your kayaks. If you wanted to dedicate a day or two, you could kayak through and around all of the islands like Mt. pleasant, Shem Creek, Bulls Island, Capers Island, Morgan Creek, or even just the beach. You can put in your kayak at any beach access or any boat access. Be cautious of your surroundings as you may be in a highly populated area.

No matter where you choose to kayak or what type of kayak you decide on, you are sure to have a great time. From cruising through the waves at the beach, or flowing through the waterway, it will be a blast. Make sure to pack your sunscreen and a snack, because you will work up an appetite. We hope to see you soon on the water and remember, be casutions, stay safe and have fun!

Hilton Head Parks

Posted on: November 24, 2020

Hilton Head Island is a part of the Lowcountry region in the United States, in the state of South Carolina. Known for its beautiful beaches and golf courses, the island draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. With so many great things to see and do, culture and history to learn, people often forget about visiting the parks. The beautiful parks in Hilton Head make for a perfect, day trip to experience with the whole family. Here are a few of our favorite parks to visit when we are on Hilton Head Island.

Jarvis Creek Park

If you are looking to be a little more active on your vacation, Jarvis Creek Park is the place to do it. This 53-acre park offers all kinds of amenities that everyone in the family will love. No matter what age or stage of life there is truly something for everyone. From biking to hiking, and wooded areas for the nature lovers, the views are amazing no matter what you choose. There are restrooms and boardwalks to make your strolls perfect. Walk or run by the lakeside path that reaches are wooded areas, where you can experience the natural habitat first hand.

Chaplin Community Park

If you or your family are beach lovers, this is the place for you. Offering several beach access’s this park brings all of your favorite things together. They also have an area to play basketball, tennis and even a playground. This makes a good place for everyone to get their energy out, including your furry friends. Not only is the park pet-friendly, but they also feature a dog park for those to play with other dogs and explore the park. The spacious park is all connected by pathways so it is easy to navigate, whether you are doing so on foot or bike.

Crossings Park

Crossings Park is one of the very first recreational parks on Hilton Head Island. It is also one of the biggest parks too. They have plenty of land and trails to explore and a hot spot for activity year-round. Baseball lovers this is the place for you, they have 3 baseball fields, a concession stand plaza, a playground, and a sports arena nearby. The park is near and dear to the town as it was one of the first places you go as a family and everyone has a good time while spending time together.

Greens Shell Park

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Known as one of the first community parks to greet visitors entering the island, the Green Shell Park is a crowd favorite. Although it is on the smaller side for a park, it is perfect for families who are trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the island. There are two playgrounds with equipment for kids of all different ages and stages of life. The pavilion located between the playgrounds is a perfect way for parents to stay in the shade while maintaining a close watch on their kids. The park is perfect for birthdays and picnics as it has a grill located off to the side for lunch or dinner.

Hilton Head Park

If you are looking for a park that is a bit more secluded, this is the park for you. The stretch of land that the park makes up is quiet and secluded. It has two different tennis courts, a basketball court, and a large grassy field that would be perfect for baseball, kickball, dodgeball, or soccer field, and many other games. Enjoy a day full of games and competition while out of the way of the city hustle and bustle.

Mitchelville Freedom Park

Mitchelville Freedom Park is a great spot to escape to if you are interested in a less crowded, quiet beachside day. It is one of the most remote beaches on the island even on the busiest and hottest days of the year. The marsh and trees meet the beach and there are even some completely covered areas. It is perfect for family pictures or just relaxing and seeing the sunrise or sunset. This beach park is a great place for little explorers who like to dig for shells. You can find shells. driftwood, and even animal tracks in the sand.

Shelter Cove Community Park

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Shelter Cove Community Park offers locals and visitors alike a lively experience year-round. With festivals and events planned by the town, Island Recreation Center, and the community, The park not only offers a playground with swings and slides, but also a performance pavilion perfect for live music, picnic spots, and a public art display. The park is equipped with restrooms, walking paths, and many places to sit down.

Compass Rose Park

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The Compass Rose Park is one of the newer parks that Hilton Head has to offer. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, this park offers guests a serene space with water features that create a calming atmosphere. Enjoy a pool with lifeguards, live music, and plenty of parking in the parking lot. The park was designed by Edwin Byrd Drane and finished in the spring of 2008, just in time to open for the summer crowds. Though it is located on the popular Pope Avenue, it still feels like a nice getaway.

Barker Field

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Barker Field is located next to Mitchelville beach. The recreational park is complete with an open multi-purpose field perfect for family activities. It asl includes three baseball fields, with lots of open sunshine. You can layout and catch some rays or relax on the sandy shores as the rest of the family plays, or build a sandcastle and search for shells. There is plenty of space to turn one of the grassy areas into a football field or soccer field.

Other Parks

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There are many surrounding towns that also have beautiful parks such as Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah, or Burkes Beach. If you are interested in beach parks, there are also many of those available. Our favorites are Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, Islanders Beach Park, and the Alder Lane Beach Access. For those who are more interested in watersports, check out the rowing and sailing center.

With so many parks Hilton Head has, you could spend days and still not visit them all. Hilton Head offers so many parks and museums like the Coastal Discovery Museum, that you can spend hours upon hours at. No matter what park you decide to go to, you will for sure have a great time. We hope to see you soon at Hilton Head Island Parks.

Whitewater Rafting on the Chattooga River

Posted on: February 8, 2017

Are you looking for something new and exciting to do while on vacation? Something, which will not only provide you with adrenaline pumping anticipation but teach you how to work as a team and overcome your fears? If so, whitewater rafting may just be the adventure sport you have been looking for.

Besides the rush you will get from paddling through the whirlpools of tempestuous water, rafting down a gentle river in between sections of rapids also gives you the opportunity to soak in the scenery from an entirely different perspective.

While the rivers of South Carolina might not conjure up thoughts of getting ever closer to the edge of Victoria Falls as you battle the current of the mighty Zambezi, or the white-knuckle ride through the rapids of the Grand Canyon, rivers like the Chattooga will have you coming back time and again for what is sure to be a fun-filled family adventure.

Located in upstate South Carolina along the border with Georgia is the 57 miles long Chattooga River, a federally protected area of natural beauty that played a leading role in the 1972 film “Deliverance” starring Burt Reynolds and John Voight.

Cutting through steep gorges with breathtaking scenery, the whitewater rapids that range in difficulty from serene family friendly grade II and III to heart-racing class IV and V rapids that Southern Living Magazine claims is the number one adventure in the entire Southeast.

The river is divided into sections based on the difficulty of the rapids, section 1 and 2 starts with a gentle, decent dropping 12 feet per mile over a seven-mile stretch that contains small patches of turbulent water.

On section 3 of the river, the rapids start to intensify with more than a dozen class III and IV rapids to navigate the raft through.

With names like Eye of the Needle and Bull Sluice, the rapids on section 3 are the most popular with families.

Section 4 is where the action picks up as the river drops a dramatic 75 feet through a tight gorge that contains the heart pumping, Corkscrew, Crack-In-the-Rock, Jawbone, and Sock-Em Dog rapids all in quick succession.

What Is The Best Time To Visit?

For optimum conditions, the best time to plan your whitewater adventure is early Spring through to late Fall. The amount of rainfall the area receives has a huge impact on how the river performs. The entire 57-mile stretch has no dams to regulate the water flow, making for optimum conditions after a few days of heavy rainfall.

River Outfitters

All of the outfitters along the river are licensed and insured, and while we do not like to endorse one over the other, the Nantahala Outdoor Center has been in business since 1972.

The NOC prides itself on having the most modern equipment and the best-trained whitewater guides in the industry, many of whom have gone on to Olympic fame.

For more information and an insight into the NOC please watch the video below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFfoNdHI2Os]

Photos and video courtesy of the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail: A Guide

Posted on: September 30, 2016

Sullivan’s Island located in South Carolina offers a variety of trails for tourists and residents of South Carolina. Sullivan’s Island biking trails include West Ashley Bikeway, West Ashley Greenway, Sawmill Branch Multi-Use Trail, Swamp Fox Passage (Palmetto Trail), Edisto Nature Trail, Old Santee Canal State Park and Awendaw Passage (Palmetto Trail). Its running trails consist of West Ashley Bikeway, West Ashley Greenway, Sawmill Branch Multi-Use Trail, Swamp Fox Passage (Palmetto Trail) Edisto Nature Trail, Old Santee Canal State Park and Awendaw Passage (Palmetto Trail). It has the following walking trails West Ashley Bikeway, West Ashley Greenway, Sawmill Branch Multi-Use Trail, Swamp Fox Passage (Palmetto Trail) Edisto Nature Trail, Old Santee Canal State Park and Awendaw Passage (Palmetto Trail).

Getting To Know The New Nature Trail

Sullivan’s Island has a new member to its family of nature trails called Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail. This wonderful addition to Sullivan’s Island is characterized by 650 feet of boardwalk and foot nature trail. The boardwalks were carefully designed by an environmental consultant and landscape specialist who ensured that they were angular paths that reflected island features e.g. the light house that is shaped like a triangle. Sullivan Island Nature Trail is positioned right off the Atlantic Street on Sullivan Island next to station 16.

It also has exemplary observation benches and decks that offer views of the harbor, vegetated dunes and forested wetlands that can only be termed as secluded and peaceful. The new nature trail offers visitors the best butterflying and birding experience in town.

This magnificent nature trail runs across the towns protected land and joins the beachfront via the station 16 beach access route. Sullivan Island Nature Trail was made a reality through the grant funds obtained from the Urban Greenbelt Grant Project in addition to the town money.

Leaders from the city termed Sullivan Island Nature Trail as a pilot project as many others are yet to come following its success. This new nature trail is regarded as a convenient means to stay between the beach and the street unlike the traditional practice of using them to gain access from the street to the beach.

Sullivan Island Nature Trail will provide people with a rare opportunity of getting to know species of plant life, animal life and bird life as well that thrive in the beautiful space. The total acreage of the protected land is approximately 90 acres. This provides ample natural space to explore and get some relaxing time from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This large parcel of land has the beautiful Atlantic Ocean running parallel to it, this will offer a breath taking view and a cool breeze as individuals enjoy their nature trail. It has parking space available at the park entrance and within the neighborhood for those with vehicles.

Operation, Opening Times & Details

The Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail is open to visitors from dawn to dusk every day of the week. Sullivan’s Island has always connected its citizens and tourists with nature. However, the new Sullivan’s Island Nature trail completely redefines that connection as seen above. Visit the new trail today for an unforgettable experience.

The Most Fun State Parks In South Carolina

Posted on: September 7, 2016

South Carolina is a beautiful state known for its shoreline of subtropical beaches and the Marseille Sea Islands. For those proud residents or for those visiting, the state has some beautiful state parks to offer as vacation spots, nature scenes, and much more! Here is a list of the state parks in South Carolina you should try to visit:

1. Lake Greenwood State Park

Known locally as the host site for the South Carolina Festival of Flowers Triathlon that is held each June. This park provides opportunities for excellent, year-round South Carolina bass fishing, boating, shoreline trails, and campsites.

2. Huntington Beach State Park

Gorgeous and known for its wide open, clean Grand Strand beach, acting as one of the most recognizable landmarks in South Carolina. Take time to bask in a sea-breeze camping experience, enjoy the finest surf fishing that South Carolina herself has to
offer.

3. Edisto Beach State Park

Full of Native American history, the Edisto Beach is located on Edisto Island — one of the four-oceanfront state parks available in South Carolina. It features scenic trails for hiking and biking, allowing for a relaxing and eye-catching tour around the park. It also has an environmental education center that exhibits some of the natural historical highlights of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin.

4.Paris Mountain State Park

This Park dates back as far as the 1920’s during the Great Depression and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It offers the top rated camping sites: 13 of them offer tent pads, and five trailside campsites surrounding the North Lake Trail Loop. If you’re planning to camp, this is your place.

5. Sesquicentennial State Park

This Park is known as “Sesqui” in the hearts of locals. It’s a spacious getaway that is immersed in 1,400 acres of pines, trails, and campsites. It also provides great spots for family reunions, parties, and more. The park permits kayak and canoe rentals, a 6-mile long bike loop for day-use recreation only, and vast fishing opportunities.

6. Caesar’s Head State Park

If you are looking for a view, this is the place to stop. It extends upon the dramatic Blue Ridge Escarpment, giving it an easily accessible overlooking view that extends into North Carolina and out to Georgia. It provides dozens of trails, with one leading to a 420-foot waterfall called Raven Cliff Falls.

7. Hickory Knob State Resort Park

Talk about your getaway. This is a serene, remote location that provides a peaceful atmosphere, full of recreational opportunities: an 18-hole championship golf course, skeet shooting, boat ramp, meeting facilities, and an archery range.

8. Croft State Park

Croft State Park from MoreView Media on Vimeo.

Are you a horse lover? This is the horseback riding go-to. Once an army-training base, it now covers 7,000 acres of wooden terrain, offering 12 miles of biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and the ability to fish and boat in one of the two lakes. Again, if you love horseback riding, Croft is known for its equestrian
facilities.

9. Cheraw State Park

Forget your traditional recreational park activities. This park moves up an entire level, providing an 18-hole championship Cheraw State Park Golf Course that winds its way through the natural habitat of the state park. You can also explore the cypress wetlands by kayak and canoes. There is a boardwalk that runs along the lake, in which you can fish, boat, or enjoy of Mother Nature’s creations.

10. Lee State Park

Lee State Park is one of the several CCC parks in the state of South Carolina. It is an excellent spot for kayaking and canoeing, as you can embark through the park’s hardwood forest floodplain. You can also enjoy fishing from along the banks of the river and children may fish for catfish in the artesian pond within the park.

11. Colleton State Park

If you are a paddler, then this is your paradise. The park sits only a short drive from I-95 and then it connects to Givhans-Ferry State Park though blackwater. It allows easy access to Edisto River, one of what is said to be the longest free flowing, Blackwater rivers in the entire country. It remains the headquarters for Edisto River canoe and kayak trial.

12. Andrew Jackson State Park

Full of history, this park combines art, the past, community activities into a setting that has made this one of the most popular State Park Services in South
Carolina. You may watch living history programs, visit the Andrew Jackson museum — details his boyhood — and see an 18th-century replica schoolhouse, campground, fishing lake, and various nature trails.

Top-Rated Golf Courses In Myrtle Beach

Posted on: August 25, 2016

Myrtle Beach is the champion course mecca for ordinary golfers. The laid-back southern paradise began as an upscale community of private country clubs. Vast green fairways, rustic foliage, and ocean views equate to charming scenery. Amateurs and pros equally enjoy Myrtle Beach golf due to the presence of terrific challenges. More than 100 courses cover the 23 square mile section of the Grand Strand area most notably known as the “Golf Capital of the World”. Want to play a round here? You can’t go wrong with course selection. However, these top-rated golf courses in Myrtle Beach stand out from the rest.

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

Caledonia’s layout, landscape, and location all attribute to its fame. A pleasant provincial ambience lends to this old rice plantation turned popular public golf course. Picturesque oak trees draped in veils of moss furnish the fairways. In addition, an old-fashioned clubhouse sets the scene. Mike Strantz designed Caledonia’s 70-par course in order to challenge the best hitters in the world. Fashionable traps and natural water source utilization make this course famous. Caledonia ranks #27 on Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” and earned “America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” and “Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach”. In conclusion, Caledonia rightfully earns a place among the top-rated golf courses in Myrtle Beach.

Dunes Golf and Beach Club

Dunes Golf and Beach Club’s oceanside terrain attracts players worldwide. Robert Trent Jones designed a precise course consequently requiring lifetime quality standards. Because of this, large-scale renovations are frequently performed. Most noteworthy is The Dunes’ individual hole nomenclature. This is because the names give golfers an idea of upcoming challenges. The famous #13 hole called Waterloo garners worldwide prestige due to the sharp navigational drive required around Lake Singleton. Dunes Golf and Beach Club ranks #47 on Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play”. Additionally, The Dunes hosts many tournaments including a previous PGA Tour Championship.

Barefoot Resort

The Barefoot Resort’s four-for-one package offers anything a golfer could ever want. Play along the Norman’s Intracoastal Waterway or through the Love’s plantation remains. Challenge yourself within the Fazio’s classic Lowcountry forage or across the Dye’s undulating dunes. This ultimate golfing getaway combines memorable landscapes with unique features. As a result, the Barefoot Resort boasts many recognitions, including rankings in Golf Magazine, Golf Week, and Golf Digest. The Love course in particular earned #86 on “Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play”. The Barefoot Resort easily earns its ranking as one of the top-rated golf courses in Myrtle Beach.

True Blue Plantation

Caledonia’s design sister is the True Blue Plantation. This stylistic endeavor is unique because of Mike Stanz’s usage of varied terrain. True Blue is an interesting 72-par course across long rolling greens. Players’ primary obstacles are interspersed tree patches. The undulations of the course are matched in difficulty by hidden traps and carefully placed waste bunkers. True Blue is considered a links-style course. Because of this, the True Blue Plantation combined with Caledonia presents a well-rounded golfing experience. True Blue is recognized as the “#1 Public Course in the Myrtle Beach Area” and listed in “America’s Top 100 Public Courses”.