Welcome to the first post of my new blog celebrating the people, places, and things that make the Carolina Sea Islands and their neighboring mainland communities so special! Based on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, I'll be reflecting on our unique local flora and fauna, sharing stories of nearly-forgotten historical events, and offering tips for off-the-beaten-track sites that most folks miss on a visit to the Lowcountry.
What is "the Lowcountry"?
There was a time when any part of South Carolina below the Sandhills (which run the width of the state from Chesterfield County to Aiken County) was considered "Low Country." Today, though, that term is primarily reserved for the area between the Ashley and Savannah Rivers (basically, the stretch between the cities of Charleston and Savannah), including the historic towns of Bluffton and Beaufort and the resort island of Hilton Head. We're talking about the southern-most tip of the state--the little corner where you can (from Hilton Head, anyway) literally look down the beach, across the waters of Calibogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, and wave to Georgia just a few miles away.
But more than just a geographical area, the Lowcountry represents a cultural region along South Carolina's southern coast. Salt marshes, brackish coastal waterways, sandy Atlantic beaches, and countless forested islands abound. Sharing space with these natural wonders are charming small towns, historical sites, and recreational opportunities such as golfing, biking, boating, and so much mo
re. Plus, members of the Gullah-Geechee community (descendents of freed slaves) still thrive in the Lowcountry, enriching us all with their own unique music, language, food, and traditions.
"...And so much more."
In upcoming posts, I'll be focusing on the "so much more" that my unique part of the world offers. Whether you are blessed, as I am, to call the Carolina Lowcountry home, are considering the area for a future vacation, or just enjoy learning about new places, people, and "hidden history", I hope you'll join me. Wherever you may be, I look forward to offering you "Greetings from the Lowcountry."