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Hunting Island SC

Why Hunting Island State Park Should Be On Your SC Bucket List

Featured Image Source: Wikipedia

If you’ve never walked among the driftwood on the beach at Hunting Island, you’re missing out on one of the most serene and beautiful areas of South Carolina. As one of the last undeveloped Sea Islands in the Lowcountry. It has a strong reputation for its undisturbed natural features and animal populations, including deer, turtles, alligators, and hundreds of species of birds.

 

 

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The 5,000-acre state park nestled between Fripp Island and Harbor Island got its name because of its original use as a hunting preserve. When the Sea Islands hurricane swept through in 1893, it destroyed everything man-made except for the lighthouse, which is still standing today. Visitors were able to use one of several cabins on the island until all but one of the park’s cabins were destroyed in recent years due to beach erosion. Luckily, RV and Tent camping is still available on the north side of the island.

Visitors have plenty to do on the island, with 4 miles of beautiful beachfront, more than 6 miles of hiking/biking trails, and a large lagoon that’s popular for fishing. In addition, the Hunting Island Nature Center has live animals and exhibits on the island and its history. Visitors can also climb to the viewing deck of the lighthouse and look out on the island from 134 feet up.

 

Hunting Island is one of South Carolina’s true hidden gems. If you live in-state or just visiting, don’t deny yourself one of the most amazing and peaceful experiences South Carolina has to offer.

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Summer Reading List

Best Beach Reads 2019: Books For Your Summer Reading List

The summer months are approaching in South Carolina and if you’ve ever spent any time in the Palmetto State – either on vacation, extended stay, or living here – you know that means many beach days are approaching.

Beach days and South Carolina’s famously hot weather go hand-in-hand, so, this likely means you’ll be spending some time on your favorite South Carolina beach this summer. From the Isle of Palms (the most aptly named beach in South Carolina) to Folly Beach or Myrtle Beach, there will be no shortage of tourists and locals alike soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Luckily for you, we’ve anticipated this and know that you’ll need something to do in your beach chair. So, we’ve prepared a “2019 Beach Book List” so that you’ve got some options for your sunny day read.

Here’s a list of our favorites:

For Fun:

If You’re A History Fan:

If You’re Crazy and Like Politics:

  • Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance (this book actually comes recommended by former South Carolina Governor and Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley)
  • Operation Lost Trust (South Carolina politics) by John Crangle

Self Improvement (You Can Do It!):

Grab your beach chair, one of these books, and head to the beach for a day of sun and relaxation.

News

Meet The Three Great White Sharks Hanging Out Off The Coast Of South Carolina

Image Source: ABC.Net

Have you heard the news? South Carolina just got three new residents. Gray Lady, Jefferson, and Hal each made the long journey from the Northeast to the great state of South Carolina. Around the New Year, these three great white sharks made their way to the South Carolina coast, making it their temporary home.

Ocearch, a nonprofit organization leading research efforts around great white sharks and other large marine species, tracked each of them as they made their way through the dark depths of the ocean.

After leaving the Northeast region, all three great whites made their way down to Florida before heading back up north and taking up temporary residence in South Carolina. Grey Lady, originally from the Nantucket area, and Jefferson, hailing from the waters of Nova Scotia, are right below the Charleston coast. However, Hal, also joining us from Nova Scotia, traveled farther North for the New Year, hitting up Myrtle Beach.

Ocearch has tagged over 300 marine animals during their expeditions allowing you to watch the journey each of them makes as they travel the world.

While Grey Lady, Jefferson, and Hal are the only three tagged great whites off the coast of South Carolina, there are many other sharks hanging out off the coast, including three tiger sharks named Jax, Georgia, and Miss Michalove, and Norris, the hammerhead shark.

Additionally, with the recent arrival of our three new residents, we can bet there are more great whites coming into the area that aren’t tagged.

You can track the journey of all the tagged animals using Ocearch’s tracking map or keep up with each individual shark by following them on Twitter: @WhiteSharkHal, @GreyLadyShark, and @MissCostaShark.

Sometimes you can even catch a conversation between the sharks:

 

Guest Columns

Best South Carolina Beaches

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash


Kiawah Island

Kiawah is a coastal island with 10 miles of pristine beaches, approximately 10,000 acres of natural woodlands and every amenity to meet the needs of the entire family. Located a short distance from Charleston, this island is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Myrtle Beach

As the largest resort along South Carolina’s 60-mile Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the East Coast’s ultimate vacation hub. The town is full of summertime action: beaches, restaurants, shops, & waterparks. You’ll find yourself busy fishing, swimming, sunbathing, sailing and surfing at this beautiful beach.

Isle of the Palms

IOP is the Lowcountry hideaway outside of the busy Charleston. Open to the public for swimming and sunbathing, and also nesting sea turtles stop here to lay their eggs in the tall dunes. Come here to take a break from your busy work week.

Folly Beach

The Edge of America, aka Folly Beach, is a charming southern small town surf vibe. Bring some bait and a fishing rod for saltwater fishing at the end of the pier. This busy little city will keep you entertained and in a sunny state of mind.

Hilton Head

One of the largest islands on the East Coast, Hilton Head is perfect for families and individuals who are looking for a large resort area with an array of activities to enjoy. With 12 miles of beaches, countless bike trails, over 30 golf courses and more than 300 tennis courts, you’ll find the perfect on- and off-shore activities.