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Edisto Island is a rural unspoiled island, one of the
few remaining on the Atlantic coast. Long regarded as
a special place where time stands still, this South Carolina
barrier island rests about halfway between Charleston
and Hilton Head Island.
Only a handful of coastal enclaves have escaped the rush
to commercialize, and held tightly to their Lowcountry
character and cherished way of life. Edisto Island embodies
this casual Lowcountry living maybe because it is isolated
by miles of salt marshes, wide rivers, creeks and bays;
and essentially landlocked throughout history by grand
plantations. More likely it's because the island's people
have embraced this way of life, forever determined to
preserve their private secluded paradise.
Edisto Island's rich history ties it to its present. Purchased
from the Edistow Indians by the Lord Proprietors in 1674,
the English began searching for a crop that could be successfully
cultivated on the island. By the early 1800s, Sea Island
Cotton, the king of all cottons, flourished in the rich,
fertile soil. During this period known as �Edisto�s
Golden Age,� the planters flourished, too. The elegant
homes and plantations remaining, many of which are listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, are reminders
of that affluent age.
Today Edisto Island features a laid back family atmosphere,
with shrimping, crabbing, fishing, biking, sailing, boating,
skiing, and beach walks filled with watching pelicans
and porpoises. Tranquil mornings of sunshine and sandcastles;
lazy afternoons napping in hammocks; and late afternoon
strolls along the shore of the Atlantic are also a part
of the way of life at Edisto Island.
The Edisto Island community includes historic plantations,
large state and county parks, condominiums, and a variety
of home styles that reflect its commitment to moderate,
well-planned growth focused on retaining the island experience.
With Edisto Island's emphasis on outdoor recreation, the
Edisto Beach State Park opened about 60 years ago, putting
the island on the map of summer attractions. Today the
park includes beach- and marsh-side camping, cabins and
a boat ramp and dock.
For the golfer, The Edisto Island Club designed by Tom
Jackson, is ranked one of the top 25 courses in South
Carolina by Golf Illustrated magazine. Set among palms,
palmettos, and oak groves, the course is laced with creeks
and lagoons. Wildlife is abundant and the course has more
than one resident alligator.
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