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South Carolina Sunshine | Places to see and things to do outside in the beautiful state of
South Carolina.



Coastal . Lowcountry . Midlands . Upstate . And More



South Carolina Sunshine™ | OUTDOORS | TABLE OF CONTENTS



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COASTAL EXPEDITIONS | BULLS ISLAND FERRY | 2023



Bulls Island is a pristine, untouched barrier island, the largest among four islands in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1932, the refuge primarily aims to protect and conserve wildlife and their natural habitats. Encompassing 5,000 acres, Bulls Island is a thriving maritime forest featuring a mix of fresh and brackish water impoundments and a beautiful beach area. The island's many roads and trails offer ample opportunities for hiking and observing the diverse wildlife.





Bulls Island


Uninhabited and spanning 6.5 miles, Bulls Island remains largely unaltered by human activity, providing a haven for countless native and endangered species. The island is renowned for its thriving bird population, boasting over 275 species in and around the area. Situated at 5801 U.S. 17 North in Awendaw, the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 20 miles north of Charleston. Access to Bulls Island is limited to private boats or ferry services. Coastal Expeditions provides a variety of tours to the island, including beach drops and sunrise expeditions. To reach the island from Charleston, take U.S. 17 North through Mount Pleasant and turn off at Garris Landing. A ferry operates twice daily during the summer season (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) and on Saturdays only in the winter. Embark on a journey through the estuaries, and, with a bit of luck, you may be greeted by a pod of dolphins as you approach the island.







Coastal Expeditions Spring 2023 Bulls Island tour Schedule


The Bulls Island Ferry is operated by Coastal Expeditions and they have an updated schedule for 2023, offering more flexible options for visitors during the Spring and Fall seasons. Coastal Expeditions’ current schedule offers visitors choices from 3.5-hour, 4-hour, or 6-hour day trips to explore the island every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The spring schedule runs from March through May, while the Fall schedule is from October through December. Morning trips depart at 9 am, with a choice of returning either at 12:30 pm or 3 pm, while afternoon trips start at 12:30 pm and end at 4:30 pm. The summer schedule runs from June-September, and it is a specialized schedule to accommodate the seasonal tides and environmental conditions of summer. The summer time day trips are 5.5 hours from the beginning to end. No need to specify the desired end time when booking a 9 am trip prepare for the duration you prefer and consult with the ferry crew on the day of your journey if you have any questions. There are dates that differ from the regular schedule, which include: on May 11th and 12th, the ferry operates from 10:30 am to 4 pm, while on May 18th, 19th, and 20th, the ferry runs from 9 am to 3 pm.







What is Coastal Expeditions?


Since 1992, Coastal Expeditions has been committed to guiding and sharing the beauty of South Carolina's Lowcountry: its lands and waters, plants and animals, people, history, and culture. Their mission is to put people safely and securely in the path of beauty, allowing them to experience meaningful connections with nature. As lifelong students and practitioners of environmental appreciation, they strive to create awe-inspiring moments that reveal the interconnectedness of our world. Coastal Expeditions is comprised of a passionate team of "guides, explorers, and storytellers" who continuously study Lowcountry tides, flora, fauna, and history. They work tirelessly to create new routes and maps, ensuring unique natural experiences that are awe-inspiring and tantalizing the imagination and senses. Experiencing the Lowcountry's natural, mystical, and magical aspects fosters a profound love and respect for this unique region. Their goal is to facilitate "soulful journeys" that allow individuals to become part of the beauty around them. Whether it's the shimmering sunlight on the water, an ancient shark's tooth, or the rush of air through a pelican's wings, they strive to create lasting connections between people and the natural world and believe fostering these connections cultivates a deeper understanding of our place within the universe and inspires a desire to care for our environment.


Coastal Expeditions





Call or text | 843.884.7684
Email | info@coastalexpeditions.com.




Bulls Island Ferry

HILTON HEAD ISLAND DURING WINTER | FEBRUARY 2023



It is clear that Hilton Head Island is not suffering from the winter blues! During the month of February, there are three major events - just to name a few. This lively SC locale is hosting the 2023 Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, an annual Seafood Festival, and the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Golf Tournament hosted by the University of South Carolina. Want more information on these events? Check out the abridged calendar below, followed by a photo essay on Hilton Head Island and its culture.





2023 Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, February 1-28, 2023.


"Today, the descendants of West Africans that were brought to the coastal islands of South Carolina and Georgia in bondage are striving to preserve a way of life. Gullah is more than simply the language and name of a people. It encompasses the essence of struggle, spirituality, perseverance and tradition. The Native Island Gullah People adhere to the custom of their ancestors through the sewing of sweet grass baskets, the weaving of casting nets and preparation of traditional Gullah food." - hiltonheadisland.org. The Gullah people are a unique and proud group of people that have managed to keep their traditions and culture alive despite the challenges they have faced. Gullah is more than just a language, it is a way of life that is steeped in history and tradition.


Click on the Gullah Celebration Calendar Icon below:







Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, February 20-February 26, 2023


"Over the course of seven days guests take in celebrity guest chef dinners, the best of southern pitmasters, local wildlife, cooking demos, wine tastings, mixologist, scholars and more. The festival explores the South's evolving food culture, which has been returning to its roots in recent years by honoring its rich native agriculture. Experience our coast's rich fishing heritage during the weeklong festival. Here you can sample restaurants' fresh catch specials, try fresh oysters, and maybe even learn how to fish yourself. From incredible seafood meals to rustic barbecue and bonfires, world-class talent and southern charm collide on one gorgeous Island setting."

- www.hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com


Click on the icon below to go directly to the festival website and learn about event and purchasing tickets:







2023 Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, February 27-March 1, 2023


Host team: University of South Carolina. Where? Long Cove Club, 399 Long Cove Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 | Tel: (843) 686-1070


Spectators are welcome at no charge. Complimentary parking will be available directly across from Long Cove Club at Central Church. A short shuttle ride will be provided to the tournament. Parking attendants will be on-site to assist.


More information? Click on the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Icon below:







GullaH Sweet Grass Baskets



Gullah baskets are some of the oldest handicrafts in the nation, originating from Africa. These baskets are made from natural materials and are intricately woven into beautiful and functional pieces of art by Gullah artisans.


The Gullah-Geechee ancestors used baskets for more than just storing food and carrying crops from the fields. They also used them for fanning rice and flipping grains into the air so the husk could be carried away with the wind. This allowed them to have a more efficient way to process the rice, which ultimately made their food taste better.



Hilton Head Golf



Hilton Head Island is ideal for a golf vacation. "Golfers can find more than 33 world-class golf courses in the Lowcountry area, including on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and on Daufuskie Island." It is home to several PGA TOUR events, like the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, hosted on the Island at Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines.



Gullah Brick House



"We believe this is where freedom began for African-Americans,” says Ahmad Ward, gazing across a tranquil forest clearing on the northeastern edge of Hilton Head. This South Carolina island is famous for its world-class golf courses, sandy beaches and top-end resorts. But it is also a place with great historical significance. In the shade of towering live oak trees, their branches draped with wispy Spanish moss, Ward explains that we are standing on the site of Mitchelville, the first self-governed town of freed slaves in America. - Shafik Meghji


Exploring Gullah Culture in South Carolina
by Shafik Meghji

Hilton Head Golf



If you prefer to be a spectator rather than paly, there are plenty of opportunitier! "Tee off on championship courses designed by legendary course architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus. Experienced and novice golfers alike are guaranteed a great time on the greens of Hilton Head Island golf courses."

- www.hiltonheadisland.org


Hilton Head Island Golf

Oyster Roast



February and March are the seafood season months, with a spotlight on oysters. Locals and visitors enjoy the traditional South Carolina Oyster Roasts. What is an oyster roast? Similar to a New England clambake, for an oyster roast "he oysters are placed into a roasting kettle, covered with a burlap sack, then placed over hot coals until fully cooked." The oysters can be roasted with various accompaniments, such as sausage, potatoes, corn, and onions. The resulting dish is a savory, succulent, and smoky oyster roast.



Winter at the BEach



The subtropical climate on Hilton Head Island make it an ideal place to escape to in the winter. The average temperature is between 60°F-64°F, plus it is a pet friendly time of year. During the summer, dogs are restricted from visiting the beaches from 10AM-5PM.



South Carolina Wildlife



The bird, American Oystercatcher, live on the coast of South Carolina year round. February and March are ideal times to explore wildlife and take advantage of less crowded beaches for photo opportunties of these beautiful creatures.



Hilton Head | Dock



Whether you want to get onto the water or take photos of the scenery, there are plenty of activities on can participate in - be it fishing, boating or swimming. Hilton Head is surrounded by water, so there are many offerings for all skill levels.


Hilton Head | Water Sports, Activities

TAKE CLASSES AT THE ART LEAGUE ACADEMY | PARTICIPATE IN FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHTS



The Hilton Head Art League rotates contemporary exhibitions monthly and they offer art classes primarily geared to adults, however, they feature Friday Family Fun nights that is creative adventure for the entire household.


Hilton Head is rich in contemporary and traditional culture. Visitors can tour the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head, see the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra perform, view an array of high quality crafts and fine art at the Nash Gallery or take in a show of Spamilton - a parody of the acclaimed Broadway hit Hamilton.



Drawing Canyon, Sage, and Sky NM Badlands Residency



A Truly Unique South Carolina to New Mexico "Field Trip"
with Sara Schneckloth



Join the University of South Carolina Professor and critically acclaimed visual artist, Sara Schneckloth, for an immersive drawing residency experience in the high desert of New Mexico! Surrounded by piñon and juniper, complex geological formations, a tapestry of cloudscapes, and Milky Way skies, this unique environment is open for sensory discovery. Famed artist Agnes Martin identified the land of New Mexico as her home, “working in concert with the terrain.” Resident participants will set up portable studios within badlands and sage fields, gathering earth pigments and creating handcrafted charcoal and natural paints. Through the alchemy of land, materials, and creativity, participants will expand their insights into drawing and gain enrichment through tutorials and the gift of solitude with the independent studio practice.



2023 Residential Workshop: May 12 - 17, 2023 - starting at $2150/person



All photo courtesy of Sara Schneckloth. More information? Click the buttons below.


Geological On-line
Drawing Primer (not required)
2023 In-Person Residential
Drawing Workshop
Learn more about Sara:
saraschneckloth.com

Exploration of the Badlands >



Studio Workspace >



NM Big Sky >



Natural Pigments >



Cultivating the Badlands >



Community Accommodations >



Exploration of the Badlands >



Exploration of Geological Forms in Solitude >



Holiday Lights Gallery, Number 1



Aquarium Aglow, South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, SC

December 27, 2022 by Dawn Hunter



We experienced the wonder of the season at Aquarium Aglow. It was an elegant evening holiday celebration in the heart of downtown Charleston, SC. We took a journey through the Aquarium, immersed in waves of color from thousands of holiday lights. The installations were warm and nostalgic, many awe-inspiring and contemporary. They truly transformed the Aquarium experience we know and love into a uniquely enchanting event. There were interactive displays and refreshments (food, wine, and beer available for purchase). Mark your 2023 holiday season calendar because the Aquarium Aglow is an event you will not want to miss!


Please scroll down to see our Holiday Lights Gallery, Number 2. In the photo essay, we show off lights from our hometown, Columbia, SC!




Aquarium Aglow Instagram Reel

Holiday Lights Gallery, Number 2



Columbia FireFlies Holiday Lights and The State Capitol Christmas Tree

December 29, 2022 by Dawn Hunter



Row 1: The Columbia FireFlies served up some end-of-the-year inspiration of dazzling lights with a finality of cozy fire pits and marshmallow toasting & S'more creations. They went all out this year with a display encompassing the baseball field. They dovetailed this stunning display with all time favorites holiday songs that inspired sing-alongs among the attendees. They featured a theme each of the six weeks which was focused on giving to worthy causes like:


  • Week 1, Toy Drive
  • Week 2, Clothing Drive
  • Week 3, Cleaning Supplies
  • Week 4, Canned Food
  • Week 5, Book Drive
  • Week six, Pet Food Drive


Row 2: The 56th annual Governor's Carolighting was held at the South Carolina State House the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The event was centered around the lighting of South Carolina's Christmas tree, complete with music, caroling, and a seasonal message from Governor Henry McMaster. This delightful event is a tradition that is enjoyed by South Carolinians annually.




Columbia Fireflies Holiday Lights
Instagram Reel
SC State Capitol Christmas Tree
Instagram Reel, 2
SC State Capitol Christmas Tree
Instagram Reel, 1
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PUMpKIN CARVING with BABY GOATS





By Dawn Hunter, November 1, 2022.



Do you love animals? Do you like being outside? Darcy and I had the BEST time carving pumpkins at Flowertown Charm in Summerville, SC. It is a terrific experience for guests. They provide pumpkins, tools, and stencils. Each event can host up to sixteen guests. Aside from goats and baby goats (❣️) - there are chickens, pigs, a rabbit, a turtle, and a cow. Darcy is an animal lover, so the whole event was fascinating and enriching. We had a great time bonding while carving and plan to make this an annual event!


Other than this seasonal fall tradition, Flowertown Charm offers a Bed and Breakfast and Off the Grid Tree House rentals for guests.


For those who want some adventure while staying fit? Try their Goat Yoga. Why not? There are other seasonal events, too, like Farm Snuggle Sessions with their animals, Intro Class to Goats and Chickens, Marshmallow Roasting with Goats in Sweaters, Holiday Candle Making with Goats, and Painting Farm Ornaments with Goats. Chris and Jenna Pelayo are experienced farmers and terrific hosts! They make every guest feel welcome with their warm and gentle manner. We highly recommend Flowertown Charm. We are animal lovers and plan to attend many future events!


Flowertown Charm
Off the Grid Treehouse
Goat Experiences

Summerville, SC




flowertowncharm.com
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Historic ELMWOOD PARK, COLUMBIA, SC | HallowEEN 2022





By Dawn Hunter, November 1, 2022



Our neighborhood, the Historic Elmwood Park, is the Halloween destination in Columbia SC.



The residents of Elmwood Park go all out for the Halloween festivities. Homes and yards are decorated in a high quality and over the top manner - rivaling any amusement park or haunted house. For this popular event, the Columbia City Police department block off streets to keep the trick-or-treaters safe. The average tally of trick-or-treaters per home? We don't know the official count average, but one of our neighbors kept a tally for the night and had a grand total of TWO THOUSAND visitors! In this essay, you'll find our dramatic before the main event photo shoot. To get a sense the Halloween night celebration be sure to check out GoCola's Instagram reel! Curated with Lynn did an excellent job capturing this Soda City tradition!


GoCola IG REEL SouthCarolinaSunshine
IG REEL



Historic Elmwood Park, Columbia, SC 29201


historicelmwoodpark.org
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SOUTH CAROLINA STATE Fair





By Dawn Hunter, October 20, 2022.



Spinning around, riding high, and a trip to the Moon. This year's South Carolina State Fair does not disappoint!



The South Carolina State Fair is a yearly event that is held in Columbia, South Carolina. The State Agricultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina operates the fair, and North American Midway Entertainment provides rides, food, and games. This event is a great opportunity for people in the area to come together and have some fun. The South Carolina State Fair is a great way to spend a day with family and friends. You can enjoy the rides, eat some great food, and play some fun games.


Darcy and I had a blast at this year's fair! We enjoyed the rides, food & drink, the Museum of the Moon, art exhibit, flower shows and livestock. The high point for us - the circus!!


SouthCarolinaSunshine IG REEL



Every Saturday, rain or shine from 9am - 1pm
Downtown Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201


scstatefair.org

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