South of Charleston toward Savannah, the coastline dissolves into small, marshy islands.
Edisto Island
, south of US-17 on Hwy-174, is typical: huge live oaks festooned with
great drapes of Spanish moss line the roads, beside bright green
marshes with rich birdlife, and great beaches on the seaward side. If
you want to stay, there are no budget motels, but the campground
at
Edisto Beach State Park
(tel 843/869-2156, fax 843/869-3022) is near a great beach lined with
palmetto trees and other semitropical plants. Electrical and water
hook-up costs $23, walk-ins $12.
BEAUFORT
(pronounced
Byoofert ),
the biggest town, is rather twee but the old district is lovely -
offset somewhat by racial tensions and the baleful proximity of Parris
Island US Marine Base, notorious for the brutality of its training
regime, as mythologized in Kubrick's Vietnam film Full Metal Jacket
.
The
visitor center
at 1106 Carteret St (tel 843/986-5406) has details of tours around the
small historic district and discount coupons for the motels
out on US-21.
In town, the
Best Western Sea Island Inn
, 1015 Bay St (tel 843/522-2090, fax 843/521-4858,
; $100-130/$130-160), has nice rooms with an old-fashioned feel.
Ultimate Eating
, 859 Sea Island Parkway (tel 843/838-1314), serves nourishing Low Country and
gullah
-style dishes.
For magnificent views of Beaufort River visit
Ollie's Seafood Restaurant
where the oysters are a specialty.
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Coastal SC 
