Visit Daufuskie
An Island With No Bridge
With a population of under 400, no hotel, and no way of getting there other than by boat, Daufuskie Island in South Carolina is an oceanfront oasis; a magical island escape just off the coast of Savannah and Hilton Head.
One could spend an entire week in Haig Point, the gated private community on the island, without seeing more than a dozen individuals. With no cars on the island- the only method of transportation for both residents and visitors alike is by electric golf cart or bicycle.
The island is quiet but visitors do have the chance to engage in some uniquely Daufuskie experiences- from waterfront horseback riding to a 20 hole Rees Jones signature golf course. Deviled crab, the local delicacy, is a delicious must try. At the local art gallery, art is sold on an honor system- if you like a piece, take it and leave your money in the mailbox slot. No human interaction necessary.
The 20 hole Rees Jones signature course located in prestigious Haig Point features 7 waterfront tee boxes and greens. There are 2 variants making this GolfWeek Top 100 Residential Course both scenic and challenging with a 142 slope rating/par 72. With more than 3 ½ miles of beachfront, the secluded oasis has become the choice destination for celebrities like Jim Nantz, who calls Haig Point “One of the Best Places in the World”.
Equine culture is apparent all over the 5-mile long island. Experienced riders may enjoy a brisk canter down the long stretch of white, sandy beaches or through the undeveloped land on the island that is loaded with natural wildlife. The three-acre Equestrian Center at Haig Point features a 12 stall barn where guests can take lessons and horseback tours of the island- in both English and Western style.
The equestrian center at Melrose community, also operated by Haig Point, serves as the home base for Daufuskie Island Trail Rides- for visitors to the island who want to experience the serenity of riding horseback along the coastline. Another 6 horses are housed there including a Native Marsh Tacky, a rare breed of horse that dates back to the area more than 500 years.
The tiny Southern island is mostly undeveloped conservancy land- meaning visitors will love the nature and wildlife experiences that occur daily: bottlenose dolphins leaping out of the water on the shoreline; loggerhead turtles nesting each spring on the shore, and glimpses of whales, deer, storks and egrets.
There is no hotel on the island but the 1873 Lighthouse and Strachan Mansion on Daufuskie Island allow those interested in Haig Point to come stay and play. The waterfront accommodations sleep four. In addition to the 40-foot tower, a luxurious fireplace and clawfoot bathtub, the 1873 Lighthouse features a rocking chair-lined porch with unmatched views of the ever blue Calibogue Sound. The waves gently crash right outside its front door and dolphins pop out of the water by the dozens. The lighthouse, which operated from 1873 until the 1930s, guided mariners around the shoals of Calibogue Sound.
ISLAND OVERVIEW:
There are few cars on the island, which is less than 10 square miles; both residents and visitors get around primarily on golf carts. The “island with no bridge” is accessible from the mainland via the Daufuskie Island Ferry Company.
The full time population on the island is just over 400 and as a result wildlife viewing on the island is worth the trip alone: expect to see loggerhead turtles and the rare right whales to deer, storks and egrets- thanks to an undeveloped nature oasis that consumes a large portion of the island.
With more than 3 ½ miles of beachfront and loaded with Gullah history, visitors to the island can also explore local art galleries, history museums, the school where Pat Conroy taught, a rum distillery and local cuisines on the tiny island that served as the basis for Pat Conroy’s The Water is Wide.
The pristine coast line with a man-made oyster reef is a coveted backdrop for weddings and luxury fashion shoots.
The history of the island is apparent the moment you disembark the boat. The former indigo and cotton plantation where Haig Point community now resides has three of the best preserved tabby-walled single slave dwellings in the South that date back to the Civil War.
Haig Point’s Strachan Mansion built in 1910 on St. Simons Island and moved to Haig Point in the mid 1980s on two barges over three days.
EXPLORE:
Daufuskie Community Farm: Since 2010, Daufuskie Community Farm and Artisan Village has devoted its energy to passionately advocating sustainable living on Daufuskie Island. With the initial introduction of the community farm that attracted those desiring to have a hands-on way of producing food for their community, a growing desire has occurred to make a difference. The local community has contributed to the planning, construction, and growth of this thriving work by expanding the farm from animals into gardens, orchards, and the new Artisan Village.
Iron Fish Gallery: American Made award winning metal sculptor Chase Allen specializes in handcrafting coastal fish, mermaid, crab, sea turtle, lobster, and stingray sculptures from his remote studio gallery located on bridge-less Daufuskie Island, SC. This world renowned self-taught artisan began handcrafting coastal decor from sheet steel in 2001 and has been featured in Coastal Living, Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living, Charleston, Charleston Home, US Airways, The South, The Bluff, Atlanta Journal Constitution and Hilton Head Monthly to name a few. Chase Allen is a humble member of the “million dollar club” hosting a very select group of prolific artists or artisans with lifetime sales above one million dollars. His handcrafted coastal inspired metal sculptures can be found decorating walls of customers and collectors from around the globe.
Silver Dew Winery: The tiny and historic Silver Dew Winery is located in a small building on Daufuskie Island that dates all the way back to 1883. The building was originally constructed as what was known back then as a “wick house”. Wick houses were used as a place to store oil, wicks, and even the lamp for the nearby Bloody Point Lighthouse. In the mid-1900’s this Daufuskie Island icon was converted to a winery by Arthur “Papy” Burn. Papy loved Daufuskie Island and his home. He began making wine from grapes, scuppernong, pears, elderberries and other fruit in this tiny shed in the early 50’s. Locals soon dubbed the old wick house the Silver Dew Winery. The first mention of Silver Dew was when SC author Pat Conroy wrote about it in his Lowcountry novel, The Water is Wide in 1972. Unfortunately the winery closed in 1956. Currently the old wick house still carries the sign of Silver Dew Winery and is a quaint gift shop that visitors of the Island enjoy stopping by to pick up a fun trinket or a bottle of wine. Recent news on Daufuskie Island is the purchase of the Bloody Point Lighthouse and Silver Dew Winery. The most historic structures on the island will now be open to the public instead of a being a private residence.
Look for Spartina 449 Handbags at the general store in Freeport Marina. The Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company, is a Daufuskie Island-inspired women’s handbag and accessory company. The high-quality linen and leather products are made to reflect the color and beauty of Daufuskie Island and the Lowcountry with a collection of handbags, accessories and jewelry. Spartina 449 is proud to contribute a portion of its proceeds to The Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve the island’s cultural heritage. The foundation created the Billie Burn Museum to house historical artifacts and the Gullah Learning Center, which includes the rich history of African-American people on the island.
Golf: Haig Point Club features a 20-hole Rees Jones Signature championship golf course that offers two slightly routings, depending on whether you play the Haig or Calibogue variant. This scenic and challenging course is a par 72 with a 142 slope rating. While most “ocean courses” only have two or three holes that touch water, Haig Point has 7 tee boxes or greens with sound views.
Tour Daufuskie: A number of tours around the island including on land and water to see the history, art and stunning wildlife. We recommend Sallie Ann’s native Gullah tour (she was one of Pat Conroy’s students)
Daufuskie Blues: Two friends who create stunning custom hand dyed textiles made with organic indigo.
Marsh Tacky Society: The first Marsh Tacky born in 40 years arrived in November! Designated the South Carolina State Heritage Horse in 2010, Tackies have a five-hundred-year history in these parts. Around fourteen hands high and seven to eight hundred pounds, these little horses are known to be level-headed, easy to keep, easy to train, sure-footed, and tough as an oak plank. DNA traces them back to Spanish war mounts from the 1500s.
Daufuskie Island Trails Rides: visitors can ride through wooded trails or on the beach. The Sportsman’s Lodge features a twelve stall barn where guests can take lessons and horseback tours of the island- in both English and Western style. Experienced riders may enjoy a brisk can¬ter down the long stretch of white, sandy beaches or through the undeveloped land on the island that is loaded with natural wildlife.
EAT & DRINK:
Lucy Bell’s Opened Fall 2016 by Rebecca Watts and Brad Klieve, Lucy Bell’s features a wide array of dishes, focusing primarily on farm to table ingredients- fresh, local seafood, beef, poultry, appetizers and decadent desserts. Offerings will include items as simple as a Southern fried chicken to more sophisticated delicacies such as lobster thermidor, tournedos oscar, herb roasted prime rib of beef and everything in between. **Breakfast and Lunch Only
Old Daufuskie Crab Company: Enjoy a cool beverage and the freshest seafood in the Lowcountry at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. This unique Island treat features a variety of delicious entrees set with the backdrop of Daufuskie’s magnificent Island sunset. Dine on the freshest shrimp, fish, deviled crab (the island specialty), and all the ‘fixin’s . You can even shuck your own oysters right off the roasting pit. We also put a great spin on chicken quesadillas and burgers. This is “down home good eatin.”
School Grounds Coffee: Located in the back of the old Mary Fields School where beloved author Pat Conroy once taught, this quaint coffee shop has a variety of options from cinnamon bun lattes to raspberry mochas to tried-and-true coffee blends.
Daufuskie Island Rum Distillery: The Daufuskie Island Rum Company, located on 12 acres off Haig Point Road, opened in December 2014. This micro-distillery is one of only two American rum distilleries located on an island. Each bottle of Daufuskie Island Rum is distilled, bottled, labeled, and packed by hand on Daufuskie. The facility is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 to 4. Take a tour of the distillery and see the entire rum making process from fermenting to distillation and even bottling and labeling on Daufuskie Island. Meet Tony Chase- master distiller as he crafts the one of a kind rum.
Calibogue Club: Private dining at Haig Point. Looking for an incredible dining experience and a spectacular view. The Calibogue Club offers the best of both, with gourmet menu, specialty dinner nights and the most amazing views of Calibogue Sound.
HISTORY
1873 Lighthouse: overlooks The Calibogue Sound, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Maggie Comer and has become a coveted spot for weddings.
Strachan Mansion: built in 1910 on St. Simons Island and moved to Haig Point in the mid 1980s on two barges over three days.
TABBY RUINS: The former slave quarters have stood for more than 180 years
