Most People Have No Idea Just How Unique This Village In South Carolina Truly Is
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Few places in South Carolina are as unique as this one. You may be shocked and also pleased to learn there’s an entire island community along the coast of South Carolina that you can only get to by ferry. Sure, there are islands along the coast with a house or more on them and you can only get to those by boat. But THIS island is an entire community with a long history, attractions, residents, a casual resort and plenty to do. Take a look:
Daufuskie Island is a barrier island along coastal South Carolina between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia. It's a place you can only get to by boat.
The island dates back to well before its' more recent Gullah days. Some artifacts found here date back 8,000 years. However, Gullah heritage is a major part of the lifestyle and history of the island. Daufuskie is so entrenched in Gullah that its name is actually Gullah. Few people realize that Daufuskie, pronounced Dau-Fus-Key, really means "The First Key" as in, The First Island (after Hilton Head).
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It's a laid-back, casual community of about 400 full-time residents who welcome seasonal folks with open arms. Another little know fact about this small village: according to an article in "Bluffton Today", 100 residents, or about one fourth of the island's population stayed on the island for all of Hurricane Matthew. Wow.
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From the stunning and historic Haig Point Lighthouse on the north end of the island to just about every other point on this island paradise there's always something very interesting to see and do.
For starters, there's the Daufuskie Rum Company.
This amazing distillery has some bottles that sell out way before they're even bottled! But don't worry, they always have plenty of other "flavors" on hand for sale too.
If you're an outdoorsman, you'll want to look into taking a gorgeous beachside trail ride. Daufuskie has three miles of beach to cut loose and get fancy-free on your equine adventure.
Speaking of animals, this island community has a full-fledged cat sanctuary. If I were a homeless cat, I'd stow away on the Daufuskie Island Ferry and head straight to the front gates of this feline country club. By the way, we're sure they could always use a hand or a donation.
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If art is your thing, you'll find plenty of it in this budding artist community. The Iron Fish Gallery has been here forever and is packed on the inside and out with wonderful local creations.
For more art browsing, check out Silver Dew Pottery owned by a husband and wife artisan team.
Bloody Point Lighthouse has always been a must-see for visitors to Daufuskie Island.
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Couple a visit to the historic Bloody Point Lighthouse with a trip to the Silver Dew Winery, a historic local winery that closed in 1956.
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The First Union African Baptist Church was built in 1885 on land purchased for $82.
In the early days this historic building was used as a school for the island children as well as a house of worship. Today, it's still serving a congregation of island residents.
The historic Mary Field Cemetery is nearby and has markers dating back to just after the Revolutionary War.
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A visit to the Daufuskie Island Historical Society (Museum) provides an amazing look into the past and present of this unique island.
The Daufuskie Island Historical Society building may be small but provides a world of insight into the history of this South Carolina island. Everything inside and out is derived from the island, including this unique dual-language bible with English and Gullah side by side.
Hungry? You have more than one choice of where to eat during your visit to Daufuskie, including at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina where you can enjoy a great view with your local fish entree.
Or, if you make a reservation in advance, you can head over to the famous Marshside Mama's for another unique island experience.
See more of beautiful Daufuskie Island in this YouTube Video from Hilton Head Island.
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Daufuskie Island may be only accessible by ferry, but getting there is simply part of the adventure! Get more information on the official ferry servicing Daufuskie Island at this link.
Spend a day, a weekend or an entire vacation at Daufuskie Island and discover for yourself just how unique this island paradise in South Carolina is! More information.
Love exploring the backroads of South Carolina to discover new places? Take This Road Trip Through South Carolina’s Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience.
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