Daufuskie is approx. 2 1/2 miles wide x 5 miles long. Sub-tropical climate. Southern most tip of Beaufort County, S.C. Lies south of Hilton Head Island & north of Tybee Island, GA & west of Savannah, GA. Is a true "sea" island without a bridge to the mainland.
Daufuskie is comprised of three historic districts and the private communities of Bloody Point, Haig Point, Oak Ridge and Melrose. Home to approx. 400 full-time residents & numerous part-time residents. Daufuskie Island is also home to the Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa (closed temporarily). Wonderful get-a-way for history buffs and those seeking a place to relax and step back in time.
Accessibly is only by private boat and/or passenger ferry (NO! cars). Ferry portals are available at Bluffton & Hilton Head Island, SC & Savannah, GA. Easily accessible for boaters via. the protected waters of the intracostal waterway. Has two public marinas and one Beaufort County public dock.
Lies within the heart of the National Park Service's Gullah/Geechee Corridor. Once world renown for it's sea island cotton and indigo. Abundant evidence of a once thriving Gullah culture. The Billie Burn Museum & the Janie Hamilton School house Gullah exhibits.
Has two public beach accesses. Sea turtles use Daufuskie beaches for nesting May - October. Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins are regulars in the waters surrounding Daufuskie. Eagles, fowl and other wildlife make Daufuskie their home.
Wonderful local eclectic restaurants but no chain or fast food restaurants. Sandy lanes out number paved roads. Golf carts are the preferred mode of island travel.
Russia's Czars once sent for Daufuskie oysters because they were the finest to be had worldwide. Daufuskie's more recent fame is linked to the author Pat Conroy who wrote of his teaching experiences at Mary Field School.
Recreation options include beaches, biking, self-guided or guided exploration, local artisan shopping, dining at local restaurants, kayaking & other water sports, horse back riding, carriage driving lessons & tours, island events, photography options abound, walking/hiking, bird watching, golfing, tennis, etc. And be sure to visit the Gullah exhibits at the Billie Burn Museum & the Janie Hamilton School.
Visit Daufuskie for a day trip or come and stay awhile. With a variety of accommodations to choose, from ranging from rustic water front cabins to beach front cottages & ocean front villas *****, you can tailor your stay to suit your personal tastes & budget.
http://www.sciway.net/city/daufuskieisland.html
History
Continously inhabited since the 1500's the Yemassee Indians were the original inhabitants and named the island "Daufuskie", which is thought to mean "land with a point". Europeans then came to the Island in the 16th & 17th centuries.
Daufuskie is the southern most island in South Carolina, lying just south of Hilton Head Island, north of Tybee Island, GA and Savannah, GA. is to her southwest.
Daufuskie is a true island. There are NO!-bridges connecting to her. So getting to Daufuskie -unspoiled- sea island gem ™ is possible only by boat.
Daufuskie's remote location keeps her quaint -unspoiled- island charm intact and her environs pristine thus making her an ideal destination for ecotourism, families and history buffs.
History buffs will marvel at the Antebellum structures that still stand throughout the island. *Daves Rossell's, of *S.C.A.D., research on these historically significant structures highlights an urgent! need to restore and preserve them before they forever slip away to dust!
Island wide transportation is mainly by golf cart. Especially within the Melrose and the private Haig Point Community. However, you will find some islanders (within the 'historic neighborhoods') also use automobiles.
Commercial ferry services and/or tour operators also provide paid round trip passage. Fares may vary according to the provider, season and/or point of embarkation/debarkation.
The Beaufort County public dock is at ICW maker 29.
Paid dockage is available at Freeport Marina ICW 36 & Melrose Landing.
*E. G. Daves Rossell, Ph.D.
Professor of Architectural History
Savannah College of Art and Design
"Steward for the Lowcountry" 843.842.7792
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Come join in on ALL the FUN! at Daufuskie -unspoiled- sea island gem. ™
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