Seabrook Island.(South Carolina)

Seabrook Island, found approximately 22 miles south of Charleston, is another of South Carolina's barrier islands. As with many of its kind, Seabrook was populated, originally, by Native Americans. During the Colonial period, English settlers, taking full advantage of the fertile environment, cultivated rice and indigo on what they called Jones Island. In 1753, the island was purchased by Ebenezer Simmons who, not so modestly, named it after himself. Several changes of proprietorship later in 1816,William Seabrook took ownership, and, thus, the name as it is recorded today.

Today, Seabrook Island is privately held and operated. The owners personally guide the destiny of the island and place great emphasis on the protection and conservation of its natural resources and beauty. Access is controlled at the security gate, ensuring privacy for owners and guests alike, as they enjoy the 2,200 acres of grounds, bordered by 31/2 miles of pristine beaches and the Edisto River. The scene is one of incredible natural beauty, teeming with wildlife and waterfowl. In addition, there are two championship golf courses, a tennis center, a fitness center, swimming pools, a 22-acre Equestrian Center, many restaurants, and a smattering of shops--all of which are for the exclusive use of owners and guests. And, just outside the security gates, Bohicket Marina has a full array of boating and fishing adventures on offer, and boasts a variety of restaurants and specialty stores.

In sum, it may not be as well known as its near neighbor, Kiawah Island, but that may be all the better for those in search of a less commercial atmosphere.

Things to Do

No loving couple coming to Seabrook Island will be able to resist sunrise, sun-kissed, and moonlight strolls along the wonderfully unspoiled beaches. You will truly feel as if time is standing still as you walk hand-in-hand in the surf, making tender memories that will last a lifetime.

For a bit of easygoing fun, head over to the Recreation Pavilion, open between 7 am and 8 pm in the summer, and closing an hour earlier during other seasons. For the young and the restless who want to expend some energy, bikes or inline skate rentals are available at $6 per hour, $11 for a half-day, or $16 for a full day. More serious exercise can be found at the fully equipped Fitness Center, open from 6:30 am to 7 pm, with extended evening hours in the summer, at a daily fee of $15 per person. For those seeking more sedate pursuits, crabbing equipment is available for $6 a day and fishing rods are rented out at $6 per hour, $11 for a half-day, or $20 for a full day, with the bait for both included in the fees. Finally, if watching the waves and each other is all the daytime exercise you have in mind, sand chairs are for rent at $3 per hour, $6 for a half-day, or $11 for a full day.

If you find yourselves overheated, for whatever reason, you can cool off at the Beach Club Pool Complex. Open in the summer between 7 am and 10 pm, this features a junior Olympic-size lap pool, a family-size pool--heated from mid-March to December, and a wading pool. In addition, you will find numerous other pools in and around the accommodation areas.