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John’s Island lies due west of the Charleston peninsula,
serving as a “gateway” island for its more
famous neighbors, Kiawah and Seabrook. Technically an
island because it is surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway,
the Stono River, the Kiawah River and Bohicket Creek,
John’s is protected from the ocean by the islands
surrounding it.
A patchwork of natural waterways separated by farmland,
residential property and commercial development, John’s
Island has always served as the agricultural heart of
the area. In fact, much of the produce that distinguishes
the unique flavors of Lowcountry Cuisine is grown on John’s
Island. Spinach, sweet corn, broccoli, collards, okra,
melons, pumpkins, cucumbers, strawberries, Brussels sprouts,
zucchini, asparagus, blueberries and a variety of different
lettuces, all make their way to the stove pots in homes
and restaurants across the area.
John’s Island is the largest tomato producer in
the country, with a wide variety of different types of
tomatoes suited to the area. Everything from the tried
and true old faithful and heirloom varieties to the hot
new designer varieties grow well in this Lowcountry climate.
And Wadmalaw Sweet Onions, which are also grown on John’s
Island, are said to rival Vidalia Onions for their sweetness
and distinctive flavor.
In recent years, John’s Island has not gone unnoticed
by developers. With its diverse natural scenery and long
stretches of ancient oaks, the island offers a quiet,
country lifestyle in close proximity to the city of Charleston.
John’s Island boasts a handful of fine restaurants
and a number of small shopping areas near the heart of
the growing population centers. Bohicket Road, the main
highway through the island, has been widened near the
entrances of Kiawah and Seabrook, with that area now beginning
to attract its fair share of upscale residents. |
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