CoolSculptingNear Seabrook Isand, SC

SEABROOK ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - The potential for a new yacht club and several docks on Seabrook Island is concerning Sea Islanders and environmental advocates.

Town of Seabrook leaders discussed those plans Wednesday, which would include the annexation of a portion of Charleston County into Seabrook island.

The town’s planning commission voted 4-1 to recommend moving forward with the annexation to the town council.

The nearly 18-acre site, called the “Andell Tract,” sits between Bohicket Marina and Betsy Kerrison Parkway on Johns Island.

the plan includes a private Yacht Club and amenities such as a boat house, pool house and detached hotel containing 10 two-story cottages, according to town documents.

It also has public spaces including a boardwalk, pathways and a community crabbing dock.

Dana Beach, the founder of the Coastal Conservation League, said his two main concerns about the proposal are the environmental impacts on the water, and the crossing of Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary.

He said if The Town of Seabrook annexes this portion of Charleston County into their town for development, it could set a precedent for other local municipalities to do the same.

“The town may say ‘this is only a 20-acre parcel that in itself isn’t a big deal,” Beach said. “That’s what Charleston could say if it wanted to coming down from the north, that’s what Kiawah could say as it comes in from the East, even Folly Beach could say that.”

Robby Maynor, the Communities and Transportation Program Director for Coastal Conservation League echoed Beach’s point while addressing the planning commission at Wednesday’s meeting.

“There is an ongoing effort for collaboration between the municipalities on the sea islands to reaffirm that growth boundary to help strike a balance between development and preservation, this annexation would be a step in the wrong direction,” Maynor said.

The majority of the 544 written comments and 10 in person comments were against the development, although some community members spoke in its’ favor.

“I believe a Yacht Club is an amenity that fits perfectly within our diverse group of people,” Seabrook resident, Jackie Helline, said.

Mike Shuler, the Owner and Managing Partner for Bohicket Marina Investors, said he respectfully disagrees with the fear that this annexation may set a precedent for other municipalities to cross Charleston County’s Urban Growth boundary.

“What we are annexing is part of Seabrook’s comprehensive plan. Whether it crosses an Urban Growth Boundary, in my opinion, isn’t relevant here,” Shuler said. “Not to mention, further expansion beyond the property we are contemplating here is not possible because of conservation easements that are in place.”

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Everyone loves Charleston. It’s like the crown jewel of South Carolina, having been voted for 10 straight years by Travel + Leisure readers as the #1 city to visit in the United States and the only one in America included in the top 25 best cities in the world. That’s quite the recognition in the travel industry! And those who have been to Charleston certainly understand its allure. From beautiful sights to delicious restaurants to historical charm and southern hospitality, what’s not to love? Not to mention, there are always so many fun things to do in Charleston and its surrounding area. We’ve got a fabulous road trip for you to take that will get you a little farther out from downtown when you’re ready to branch out and explore more beyond, specifically, the stunning barrier islands of Charleston.

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The Under-The-Radar Scenic Drive In South Carolina That Showcases Waterfalls, Creeks, And Orchards

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We only included the inhabited islands in our trip. Morris Island is a sixth barrier island of Charleston that’s uninhabited.

If you’d like to stay on each of the islands overnight, be sure to check on whether or not any of the places you’re looking at have a minimum number of nights required. That may be the case especially if your trip is during peak travel seasons, in such case, you may have to choose one location as your base to explore from.

Have you been to any of Charleston’s barrier islands? Which is your favorite if you’ve been to more than one, and why?

If you’re looking for other fun things to do in Charleston, check out the nighttime award-winning tour where you can see some of the city’s incredible sites while learning some fascinating things about the history of this popular locale!

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A pair of dynamic storm systems will bring daily severe weather chances to the central U.S. through Sunday, with high winds, large hail, and strong tornadoes possible.

A strong cold front associated with a developing low pressure system over the Great Plains will continue to sweep across the central U.S. this morning. Warm and very moist air will be funneled northward ahead of the low pressure and cold front, while colder, drier air will be filtered in behind it. The collision of air masses will be where strong to severe thunderstorms form which will be from parts of northeastern Texas to the Midwest.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for north-central Texas and south-central Oklahoma, which includes Ada, Chickasha, Okla., and Gainesville, Texas.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale from northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri to southeastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa. A Slight Risk covers a larger area from northeastern Texas to northwestern Iowa and extreme southeastern South Dakota. Cities included in the threats are Dallas, Little Rock, Ark., Kansas City, Mo., Omaha, Neb., and Des Moines, Iowa.

All hazards will be possible with this setup which include potentially strong tornadoes, very large hail (2"+ in diameter), and high winds.

Storm activity will be ongoing over the Plains and Midwest throughout the day today, but will increase in severity as we approach the afternoon and evening hours. Storms will be in clusters or line segments but may evolve into a large squall line over Missouri and Illinois as we head into the evening.

Another developing system is expected to strengthen Saturday over the High Plains and with a sharp divide between a warm, moist air mass and a dry air mass, severe weather is expected to fire. The Dallas area northeast to northern Missouri could all be targets for severe activity. As this fresh system pushes east, its trailing cold front will provide yet another chance for severe weather for the Midwest and Mississippi Valley on Sunday.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today’s severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”

Located on the coast of South Carolina outside of Charleston, Seabrook Island’s pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the country. However, Seabrook Island is far from being just another beach town. Unscathed wilderness, nationally recognized golf courses and a rich history make Seabrook Island a unique travel destination. Here’s our list of the top five intriguing facts about Seabrook Island that could inspire you to start packing your bags today.

People aren’t the only ones who vacation on Seabrook Island: dolphins visit its beaches year-round. While dolphins can be spotted along the coast of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Seabrook Island is where visitors can witness an incredible, naturally occurring feat known as ‘strand feeding.’ Occurring seasonally between April and November, dolphins execute a strand feed by communicating through high pitch ‘whistles’ to work as a team and herd fish towards the shore, where they enjoy their fishy feast. Seldom seen in real life, visitors to Seabrook Island can sometimes witness an entire pod of dolphins right by the shoreline during a strand feed.

Evergreen trees are typically found in the rolling hills of South Carolina’s upstate, but on Seabrook Island, live oaks line the roads—remaining ‘green’ all year long. In fact, the town of Seabrook Island has some of the most dense, sundry vegetation in South Carolina. Driving into Seabrook Island, the evergreen live oaks, some of which are more than 300 years old, are quickly followed by a variety of ferns and some of the area’s tallest palmetto trees, which tower overhead. Walking and bike paths weave throughout the island, but the untouched landscape makes every turn feel like you are off the beaten path.

Seabrook Island’s golf courses are not only beautiful but also preserve the natural landscape and local wildlife. In 1996, Seabrook Island golf courses became the first in South Carolina to be certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for golf. As a member of the ACSP, Seabrook Island upholds the standards of preserving the natural areas and wildlife habitats amongst the golf links. This dedication to both aesthetics and nature makes for both a challenging and picturesque golfing experience.

When visiting Seabrook Island, don’t be surprised if you spot a group of locals surveying the beach, not for seashells, but for turtles. Seabrook Island is home to a loyal group of over 150 volunteers who serve as a turtle patrol: searching out and protecting loggerhead turtle nests. During nesting season, adult loggerheads return to the same beach where they were hatched to lay up to 450 eggs at a time. However, these eggs are susceptible to encroaching tides and natural predators. To protect this threatened species, the volunteers comb the beaches from May through October to record and monitor the loggerheads’ nests, create barriers to protect against predators, relocate endangered nests, and document hatchlings.

The history of Seabrook Island reaches back to pre-Colonial times: it was a point of contention in the Revolutionary War and has links to a man who was known to deal with pirates. The namesake of the town belongs to the family of Robert Seabrook, the ancestor of William Seabrook, who purchased the island in 1816. As the port city grew, it became an increasingly popular target for pirates. A businessman and politician, Robert Seabrook was once convicted of being in trade with the encroaching pirate presence. Seabrook Island itself has a history of being wild as a municipality. Despite its storied past, it is actually less than thirty years old, officially incorporated in 1987.

With so much to discover, the town of Seabrook Island promises a memorable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. By Hunter Gardner

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

There are plenty of good reasons to make the trip to Charleston, South Carolina: Historic homes make for colorful photo ops, the restaurant scene is fresh and inventive, and locally owned stores and boutiques make for unparalleled shopping. Some of the Holy City's greatest assets, though, aren't actually within the city limits. Pack the sunscreen and load the car because the scenic beaches near Charleston are a gem. You won't find ultra-crowded beaches, just a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. The smooth sand, cool water, and near-perfect weather will make you think you've found pure bliss. Here, find our guide to the sun-drenched beaches that are just a quick drive from the Charleston Peninsula. They're worth the detour.

1. Kiawah Island

While the 23-mile drive from the peninsula out to Kiawah Island takes about 40 minutes on a good day, the pristine stretch of sand at Kiawah's public Beachwalker Park is well worth it. It's quiet, especially for a public park, fronts the ocean, and also offers views of the Kiawah River. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available seasonally, and dogs are welcome, as long as they're on a leash. Explore Kiawah Island's private beaches by renting a house or villa on the island or booking a stay at the Sanctuary, the island's luxurious oceanfront hotel.

2. Folly Beach

Just 12 miles from downtown, the "Edge of America" is the grooviest of Charleston's nearby beaches. It's a popular hangout for surfers, who frequent "The Washout," a stretch of coast known for having the area's best waves. Center Street, the bohemian beach town's colorful main thoroughfare, is lined with surf and souvenir shops and good eats, like Taco Boy and Rita's Seaside Grille, and is just steps away from Folly's 1,045-foot fishing pier.

3. Isle of Palms

The oceanfront county park on this barrier island has picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, and a playground for the littlest beach bums, making it a great place to take the whole family. Venture a little farther down the beach, beyond the park, to discover a number of fun beachfront bars and eateries, like family-friendly Coconut Joe's Beach Grill and The Windjammer, a classic dive bar and music venue that's as salty as they come. Paddle the intercoastal waterway from Isle of Palms where you may encounter dolphins and get up close to coves and marshes.

4. Seabrook Island

Though the island's nearly 4 miles of unspoiled beaches are private to residents and rental guests only (book your stay here), Seabrook is still worth a stop if you're already making the trip out to Kiawah's Beachwalker Park, which is just a few miles away. An Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, bobcats, deer, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins. Head to Bohicket Marina for a sunset stroll by the river, then plop down at an outdoor table at the Salty Dog Cafe for water views, East Coast peel-and-eat shrimp, and a cold beer or two.

5. Sullivan's Island

When it comes to old-school cottages, small town charm, and a spotless beach to boot, you won't find a dreamier destination than Sullivan's Island. While neighboring Isle of Palms has a lively resort feel, 3.3-square-mile Sullivan's tends to fly under the radar–and the locals like it that way. Be sure to stop by Poe's Tavern on Middle Street for a killer burger before you head back toward town. Flip-flops and salty hair are always welcome on the front porch.

6. Bulls Island

Accessible only by ferry, this barrier island is 45 minutes away from downtown Charleston and feels far away from the comforts of civilization. A good way to see the birds of this untouched island, and perhaps a playful dolphin if you're lucky, is on a guided paddling tour. Comb the beach for shells, walk Boneyard Beach where a forest is being recalled by the sea, or track foxes, bobcat, and deer.

7. Edisto Island

About 60 miles from Charleston, Edisto Beach's unspoiled coastline makes it worth the drive. Stay beachside for a dreamy vacation, or take a day trip from Charleston. One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, palmetto-lined Edisto Beach State Park provides the picture-perfect backdrop for swimming, hunting for shells and sharks' teeth, fishing, or strolling. After a day on the island's trails, savor some seafood at the Waterfront Restaurant or the tacos at McConkey's Jungle Shack.

8. Morris Island

Hunt for shells and fossils near the candy cane–striped lighthouse on this uninhabited island just minutes from Charleston. Accessible only by boat, visitors can opt for several tour options, including riding out on a 55-foot power catamaran that's for the more adventurous traveler. For photography buffs, view the lighthouse from the shores of Folly Beach.

9. Pawleys Island

It takes a bit longer to reach from Charleston than some of the other beaches, but the slower pace on Pawleys Island is instantly soothing. This barrier island packs a lot into its four-mile stretch. Set off in a canoe or kayak to explore the salt marsh that separates this island from the mainland, or settle in for a day at the beach. There's shelling, fishing, and crabbing to be done. Sign up for surfing lessons—some of the best waves are near Pawleys Island Pier.

10. Capers Island

Similar to Bulls Island, Capers Island has its own forest of forgotten sea-bleached trees covering the shoreline. At low tide, you may see feeding dolphins and water birds like egrets and herons searching for a meal. Discover tide pools as you walk the beach, hike the island to see gators and deer in their natural habitat, or paddle along the shores and see jellyfish and crabs. Reach this undeveloped island by chartered boat, or take a kayak tour to learn about the area's ecosystem.

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