Ride with The Guide as we tour South Carolina’s largest island and one of Charleston’s most popular barrier islands: Johns Island. In fact, it’s the fourth largest island on the East Coast. It’s not surprising the allure of the picturesque landscape and the appealingly short commute to many destinations in the Charleston metro area have led to immense growth on the island in the last couple of decades. About a third of the island falls within the City of Charleston and this portion is home to high-density development that has incorporated the beauty of the natural setting with a diverse selection of new growth. With close proximity to award-winning beaches, world-class golf, excellent retail and restaurants, along with direct access to some of the area’s major thoroughfares, it’s a place to live that’s as fun as it is practical.
Initially named by English colonial settlers after Saint Johns parish in Barbados, the island is steeped in history… from its role as an establishment for British troops during the Revolutionary War, to serving as the site of notable Civil War battles. Johns Island is also home to the famous
Angel Oak - the largest live oak East of the Mississippi that covers a remarkable 17,000 square feet and is estimated to be 300-400 years old! Live Oaks are a stunning bit of living history that you’ll find all over the island; a majestic reminder of the past that provides a scenic back drop for the new.
Bordered by the scenic Stono and Kiawah Rivers, Johns Island is approximately 84 miles wide and is flanked by some of Charleston’s most popular bedroom communities. Whether you’re traveling off the island for work or leisure it’s likely to be a quick trip. Via Maybank Road to the East, you’ll find James Island. From there it’s just a skip, hop and a jump to either historic downtown Charleston, West Ashley or Folly Beach. If you take Main Road to the North, you’ll quickly come to Hwy 17 in West Ashley where it is then a short trip to I-526 that travels to North Charleston and Mount Pleasant. There is a long-standing and highly debated
proposal to extend I-526 from West Ashley, through Johns Island, to James Island. Contiguous to Johns Island are Wadmalaw,
Kiawah and
Seabrook Islands—each notable for their own unique landscapes, landmarks and recreation.
The waterways arounds Johns Island are as easily navigated as the roads. With many new communities having private deep-water access for residents and numerous public boat ramps and docks boating logistics are a breeze. It’s a quick trip to hit the ICW or reach
Bohicket Marina,
St. Johns Yacht Harbor or the Charleston Harbor.
As part of the
Charleston County school district, there are five public schools on Johns Island serving just over 2,000 students. The schools strive to incorporate the heritage of the island; Haut Gap Middle School has an “outdoor classroom” teaching students the local value of agriculture and crops that flourish in the island’s sandy soil. Three private schools are also available, including highly regarded Charleston Collegiate School, Capers Preparatory Christian Academy and the Montessori School of Johns Island. For students of all ages, Johns Island is home to Charleston County’s largest branch library, located just off of Main Road.
(Photo credit: Charleston County School District)
While Johns Island has maintained a distinctly rural vibe, it also offers the conveniences of life in town. Food Lion and Bi-Lo are located on Maybank Highway and a Harris Teeter is located amongst a collection of high-end shops at Freshfields Village on nearby Kiawah Island. In addition to extensive shopping and dining, spa services and a hotel, Freshfields hosts a variety of events like yoga, football parties, jazz nights and wine tasting. A broad selection of restaurants on the island offer many choices and garner high acclaim with dining options like the local farm to table cuisine from Ambrose Farm's Stono Market & The Tomato Shed Cafe, and Wild Olive with Italian fare. The Tattooed Moose is a more laid back local favorite well known for their famous duck club and duck fat fries.
(Photo credit: Freshfields Village)
There is no shortage of recreational options on the island or in neighboring communities. The rivers and tidal creeks provide limitless options for boating, paddle boarding and fishing. There is a notorious sandbar in the Stono River near Limehouse Landing that can be the perfect spot to congregate with fellow boaters and catch some sun. Trophy Lakes offers slalom ski lessons, a wake park and an 18-hole disc golf course. Stunning beaches are accessible by car or boat within minutes. Nearby Kiawah Island Resort and Seabrook Island Resort are known for their high-caliber golf and extensive list of amenities. Travel over to Wadmalaw Island to enjoy the
Charleston Tea Plantation, the only Tea Plantation in the United States. For a more spirited visit to Wadmalaw, tour Deepwater Vineyard or Firefly Distillery to sample some Muscadine & Scuppernog wine or sweet tea vodka & local moonshine.
(Photo credit: Charleston Tea Plantation)
The recent growth on Johns Island has paid tribute to the old while embracing the new.
New communities seamlessly incorporate the natural landscape of the island, highlighting the Spanish moss-draped live oaks and stunning marsh views that serve as a perfect backdrop to the coastal Lowcountry style that predominates the architecture. For those seeking a laid-back lowcountry lifestyle with water access and a convenient commute, Johns Island is the perfect place to call “home.”
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