Whatever did we do before we all had smartphones and the whole world at our fingertips 24/7?
We played board games and debated long into the night. We gathered friends in wide circles around glowing fires and listened to each other talk and laugh and reminisce over our favorite bottles of spirits. We stared at the grains in the wooden table and watched the steam rise from our morning cup of coffee. We were not always in sync with the latest thing, we were not aware of every last crisis swirling around us. We were not plugged in, and we were therefore free to roam.
There are few places to truly escape from the digital world around us, but these havens do exist.
Daufuskie Island in South Carolina is one of them. It’s rustic and secluded, and it’s only accessible by ferry. No flashing lights, heavy traffic or rushing masses. Just long, sandy lanes under oaks heavy with Spanish moss, deserted beaches, a few galleries, some golf, Lowcountry cuisine. And, of course, peace and quiet.
If the idea of an old-school vacation inspires you, read on. Here is some information that will help you get a better picture of Daufuskie.
- Daufuskie Island just got electricity about 25 years ago. Its many years of isolation allowed for the preservation of Gullah language and heritage, which you can learn more about at the Daufuskie Island Historic Foundation replace with Daufuskie Island Museum, or one of the island’s guided tours.
- The Iron Fish Gallery featuring Chase Allen’s award-winning sculptures operates on the honor system when he’s not there!
- There are four restaurants, a coffee shop, and two general stores. Most visitors bring some groceries with them, but all the essentials are here for those who want to pack extra light.
- Golf carts far outnumber cars on the island, and there are several cart rental companies for day visitors. Most vacation rental homes provide them or help visitors rent them.
- Eco-centric tours like horseback riding on the beach, bird and dolphin watching are popular things to do here.
- The Daufuskie Island Distillery makes one of the world’s only island-produced rums. It also offers several varieties of vodka and bourbon, with the Blueberry Lavender Vodka being a favorite.
- Daufuskie has more authentic Gullah historic structures than any other single location. The “Haint” Blue color you’ll often see symbolizes water, which evil spirits cannot cross.
Point is, this is a very special place, and unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been!