We spent three weeks in the Low Country of South Carolina in January of 2020. This was our first stop on our winter trip (aside from our quick overnight in Beckley, WV). The campground was in Yemassee, South Carolina, which is about half an hour from everything (or anything).
The campground had beautiful walking trails and we got to see a lot of wildlife.
Yemassee
Actually, several parts of Forest Gump were filmed near Yemassee and there are a lot of beautiful sights. The Frampton Plantation was right next to our campground. It advertises free admission, which is a good thing since it is actually a visitor center with a few displays. As with many buildings in the area, the original plantation was burned during the Civil War. But, it did provide lots of information and guidebooks and coupons for day trips, including Hilton Head Island, Charleston and Savannah.
Just a few miles away were the Sheldon Church ruins. The British burned the church during the Revolutionary War. Then, legend had it that that General Sherman’s men burned it again during the Civil War during their march to the sea. However, a recently found letter says that locals took it apart to rebuild their homes (that were burned by Sherman’s army). Information like this is right up a genealogist’s alley!
A billboard on the way to Hilton Head reminded us that many South Carolinians have not forgiven or forgotten General Sherman. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming to us Yankees.
Hilton Head Island
We worshipped at the Low Country Presbyterian Church our first Sunday before heading into Hilton Head Island. There is an exact change only toll to cross the bridge on the way in and out to Hilton Head ($1.50 each way as of Jan. 2020). We also paid the $8 for a day pass to enter the Sea Pines Resort. I have very fond memories of going with my best friend to Hilton Head when we were in high school.
The thing I remember most is eating and hanging out at the Salty Dog Cafe. In fact, I still have the long-sleeve t-shirt I bought there when I was 16 (and is still in pretty good shape save for a few drops from when I painted in it).
The weather was sunny but was on the chilly side. The Cafe itself was closed for the season. Fortunately, the Wreck of the Salty Dog was open. Our host was wearing a Steelers sweatshirt, and it turned out that his dad graduated from the same high school I did. We’re always amazed at what a small world it is.
This resort area is so gorgeous and most of the restaurants and shops were open in Harbour Town. The lighthouse was also open. We didn’t go up because we were planning to go back while Justin golfed during the week. But those plans changed due to the weather, and we ended up not going back to Hilton Head.
We also celebrated for our first time Robert Burns Night on January 25, 2020. This was mainly due to the fact that we stopped at the Scottish Mill Shop in Hilton Head on our way back to Yemassee, and they sold haggis! So, we had haggis, neeps and tatties, and Typsy Laird.
Traditionally, haggis is served on a silver platter. We were in the camper, of course, so our silver platter was a foiled-covered plate. I have no pictures and a 17-second video of our “presentation.” The girls’ sashes are exercise bands. We have become pretty good at improvising! Even though it’s not a great video, I’ll post it because we had a lot of fun and I want the girls to remember it.
None of us felt prepared to “Address the Haggis” ourselves, so we turned to this YouTube video.
We also took a weekend trip to Charleston, SC and a day trip to Savannah, GA. Both cities were about an hour’s drive from where we stayed in the Low Country. Be sure to read out those trips soon.
