Edisto Island is one of South Carolina's last undeveloped beaches, famous for its rare shells. |
Some sources state that Edisto was settled before Charleston, but no records prove or disprove this statement. Records do show that Edisto was purchased from the Edistow tribe of Indians by the Earl of Shaftsbury, one of the original Lord Proprietors, for some cloth, hatchets, beads and other goods in 1674. Rice and indigo were among the first crops planted; however, Sea Island Cotton became world famous. It is reliably stated that the Pope in Rome insisted that his garments be made of Edisto Island cotton.
The cotton industry brought great prosperity to the Island and many of the Plantation owners built magnificent homes and furnished them with the very best of furniture and books. Some of these Plantation homes are still standing. You may take a tour of the Island and view some of these homes if you wish.
Following the end of the War Between The States and the advent of the boll weevil, the cotton industry died and the Islanders started truck farming, shrimping and fishing. Today, tourism is also one of the largest industries on Edisto Island.
Resort development began on Edisto Beach in the 1920s when beachgoers had to time their arrival to coincide with low tide in order to cross the marsh areas by driving on beds of oyster shells. They then crossed over the dunes to the beach and drove along the ocean to their cottages which had no electricity or running water.
Development was slow in the early days and damage from a major hurricane in 1940 destroyed many of the existing homes. Following World War II, development on Edisto Beach began to increase.
Here you will not only find an absence of hotels and high rises but Edisto prides itself in having a total of two grocery stores and three gas stations. Located in Colleton County, SC Edisto Beach is the perfect destination for families, couples, or individuals looking for a relaxing location to enjoy nature, the beach, and the island's activities. Despite the lack of commercialism found on Edisto, there is something for everyone four seasons out of the year.
Moss covered large oaks make beautiful canopies on many roads throughout Edisto Island.
The Springtime is a favorite time for many to be on the Beach. The Summer crowds have yet to appear but the climate is perfect to enjoy walks on the beach, trips through the many creeks of the ACE Basin, and the weekend art shows and home tours. Summer months obviously bring the sun, surf, sand, and water activities.
As the seasonal visitors depart and Autumn rolls in many long time property owners take advantage of the down time as the weather permits swimming, boating, and fishing until late in the season. Finally, many find the Winter months to be a favorite time to enjoy Edisto. With only a few hundred full time residents, the Winter months are perfect for a relaxing retreat to listen to the waves on the shore and watch the season change.
Sunset at Edisto
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The McKinley Washington Bridge, the entry point to Edisto Island, SC |
The Lowcountry's ecosystem provides the visitor with exemplary opportunities to bird-watch, fish, crab, canoe, and kayak. Through dedicated conservation efforts, the ACE Basin river system (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto) provide breathtaking views of alligator, blue heron, egret, anhinga, bald eagle, and more on the Sea Islands Trail. Various trails throughout the region offer hiking and bicycling experiences, while glimpsing otter, fox, and migratory waterfowl.
Click here for a video of Edisto Island!
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Crabbing & surf fishing in the Lowcountry |
The
Old Post Office
Restaurant
Philip Bardin, a native South Carolinian, was trained by classical European chefs, various nannies, and has re-discovered old family methods of cooking. What resulted is a simple, rich cuisine of various seafoods, fowl, and Lowcountry favorites. Since 1988 he has been the chef and co-owner of The Old Post Office Restaurant. Before that, he was the chef at many notable South Carolina restaurants. He is also a freelance journalist.
June 16, 2004
Reviewer: Wylie Perkins (Adams Run, South Carolina)
Having dined at The Old Post Office Restaurant on many occasions, I was thrilled to discover that Chef Philip Bardin has put some of his culinary creations to pen and paper for all of us to try at home. I'm blessed to live in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, near The Old Post Office Restaurant, and therefore I have access to some of the same sources of fresh produce, fresh seafood, and quality meats and poultry that the restaurant does. Chef Bardin emphasizes that you have to start with quality ingredients like they use in the restaurant to achieve the best results. With my already having access to quality ingredients, this book provides the final piece of the puzzle and allows me, and my friends, to create some of the same dishes we crave at The Old Post Office Restaurant. This book also provides a wonderful glimpse of our local culture on and around Edisto Island, South Carolina. Living near Edisto Island, I can say that the book gets it right when talking about the local culture, and if you're not from this area the book does an excellent job of introducing you to our wonderful, unique, paradise. If you don't think you'd enjoy the taste of "The Lowcountry" then you haven't tried our food or you haven't been able to try it done right. This book from Chef Bardin of The Old Post Office Restaurant will help you do do southern food right.
