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| In a dogwood spring, visitors gather for outdoor services at the Old Sheldon Church ruins. The landmark was burned twice in two centuries--by British and Union soldiers. |
Give a (Loggerhead Turtle) Mom a Helping Hand
Botany Island Beach ranks as one of the premier nesting sites in South Carolina for loggerhead sea turtles. This year, females lumbered ashore and dug at least 200 nests. The nonprofit Botany Community Conservation Sea Turtle Project always needs volunteers, especially during hatching time in late summer. Call the project coordinator, Meg Hoyle, at (843) 869-2998. The organization also accepts tax-free donations at 2231 Devine Street, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29205.
Where To Stay
You'll find several chain motels, such as Hampton Inn, along I-95 in Walterboro. Edisto Beach State Park features cabins and campgrounds. Elsewhere on Edisto Island, Fairfield Ocean Ridge Resort offers vacation villas, with off-season rates at 20% less than the published online, on-season rates. Rates range $180-$760. Call toll-free 1-877-296-6335, or visit www.fairfieldvacations.com. Several realty companies offer rentals. For complete listings call Edisto Chamber of Commerce, 1-888-333-2781, or visit www.edistochamber.com.
Many visitors choose to headquarter in Charleston or Beaufort and then drive into the ACE Basin for the day. Beaufort is much closer--about 30 miles south of the area. Several chain motels are available, along with small inns housed in historic structures such as the Beaufort Inn ($165-$285). Call (843) 379-4667, or visit www.beaufortinn.com. Rates at The Rhett House Inn range $135-$245. Call (843) 524-9030, or visit www.rhetthouseinn.com.
Note: Visitors fill Beaufort-area lodging for graduation ceremonies at nearby Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, which are held most weekends of the year. You can often find accommodations at the last minute, but it's good to call well in advance.
For more information on Beaufort visit www.beaufortsc.org.
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Where To Dine
In Beaufort, fill up on stone-ground grits and other breakfast foods at Blackstone Deli & Cafe ([843] 524-4330), or choose pastries and gourmet coffees at Firehouse Books & Espresso Bar ([843] 522-2665). Several restaurants line Bay Street, among them the elegant Saltus River Grill ([843] 379-3474).
On Edisto Island, our choice is The Old Post Office ([843] 869-2339), located at 1442 State 174. You'll want to write home about the shrimp and grits.
In Walterboro have a soda at the fountain at Hiott's Pharmacy ([843] 549-7222) on Washington Street downtown, and don't miss the boiled peanuts at Woods Brothers Store ([843] 844-2208) on U.S. 17 near Green Pond.
For general information on the area, contact the Lowcountry & Resort Islands Tourism Commission at 1-800-528-6870, or visit www.southcarolinalowcountry.com.
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