Isle of Palms, Charleston, SC March 17-23, 2025
3/17/25 We arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, late in the evening on St. Patrick's Day. It was too dark to see much of the resort or beach, but that didn’t stop Camilla and me from exploring. Wandering along the shoreline, we were surprised by how many seashells we discovered in the moonlit sand. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the crisp night air made for a peaceful introduction to our stay.
As we continued our impromptu tour, we stumbled upon the resort’s fitness center, a sparkling pool, and a rooftop bar offering glimpses of the ocean under the starry sky. Even in the dim light, we could tell this was one of the nicest resorts we had ever visited. Wild Dunes Resort is a premier oceanfront destination located on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, South Carolina. This expansive 1,600-acre retreat offers guests a blend of luxury accommodations, diverse recreational activities, and easy access to the pristine beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Wild Dunes Resort was already shaping up to be a luxurious and memorable getaway.
3/18/25 The next morning, I woke early for a refreshing run along the beach of Isle of Palms. The soft sand beneath my feet and the cool morning air made for a perfect start to the day. After returning, I gathered the family, and we headed back to the shore for a leisurely morning of seashell hunting. There were so many to choose from, each one a unique treasure shaped by the sea.
As the sun climbed higher, we retreated to the poolside for an afternoon of relaxation. Carly was drawn to the hot tub, spending most of her time soaking in the warmth, while Lloyd and I indulged in the resort’s signature drinks. What made them even more special were the tiny plastic turtles floating in each glass—a charming touch that supported sea turtle conservation efforts. I learned that artificial lighting near the shore can disorient sea turtle hatchlings, leading them inland where they face dehydration and predators. Scientists believe hatchlings instinctively follow the brightest horizon, which is usually the ocean, making responsible lighting essential for their survival. A little girl in the hot tub was jealous of my plastic turtle and wanted to keep it but I would not share. After a sun-soaked afternoon, we took a scenic drive into Charleston to stock up on groceries before heading out for a seafood feast at Lawrence Seafood Co. I couldn’t resist ordering a plate of 20 crispy fried shrimp, savoring every bite. Other favorites at the table included the classic shrimp and grits and mouthwatering lobster rolls.
3/19/25 There is nothing quite like starting the day with an early morning swim, and that’s exactly what Carly and I did. We woke up before the sun had fully risen, eager to take advantage of the heated lap pool. The water was warm and inviting, making every stroke effortless. We found ourselves lingering there much longer than planned, soaking in the peaceful morning ambiance. This lady with a thick southern accent came out and said, “Hey! How’s the water?” I said, “It is warm!” She said, “Wait! Where are you from?” I said, “Colorado” She said, “Oh! Nevermind then!”
The pool ended up being the centerpiece of our day. Hours passed as we floated, chatted, and simply enjoyed the relaxed pace of island life. There’s something about a day spent poolside that just resets the soul. As the sun began its slow descent, we set off for dinner at Islander 71, a gem tucked away at the Isle of Palms Marina. It’s easy to see why it was named Charleston’s Best Waterfront Restaurant in 2024—the views alone are breathtaking. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, the restaurant perfectly captures the laid-back charm of Isle of Palms.
With a menu brimming with fresh Southern-inspired seafood, a raw bar, and handcrafted cocktails, it was hard to choose what to order. But honestly, everything tasted even better with the stunning sunset as our backdrop. We snapped plenty of pictures, each one more beautiful than the last, as the sky shifted from soft pinks to deep purples over the marina.
The evening came with a bit of unexpected entertainment—seagulls swooping down, trying to snatch food right off guests’ plates! It was a hilarious (and slightly chaotic) addition to an otherwise serene dinner. Watching fellow diners play defense against the birds added an extra layer of fun to the experience. From morning swims to sunset cocktails, our day on Isle of Palms was nothing short of perfect.
3/20/25
Our trip to Charleston, South Carolina, was filled with surprises, but this was the one day we had something truly planned. Lloyd had arranged a Magnolia Plantation tour, and what a day it turned out to be! Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Charleston. Established in 1676 by the Drayton family, this plantation is not only one of the oldest in the South but also home to America’s oldest public gardens, open to the public since 1870. As we arrived, the gardens immediately took our breath away—lush, vibrant, and full of color. We wandered through winding paths, admiring the magnificent azaleas, ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and serene ponds reflecting the beauty around us.
One of the highlights was spotting some incredible wildlife. We saw egrets wading gracefully along the water, yellow-bellied turtles sunning themselves, and a few curious American alligators gliding through the water. It was fascinating to learn that the big alligators actually eat the smaller ones—nature’s harsh yet fascinating way of balancing the ecosystem.
After exploring the gardens, we headed to the Magnolia House, where we learned about the plantation’s deep history. We toured the slave cabins, gaining insight into the difficult lives of those who worked the land under the most brutal of circumstances. The tour was a sobering yet important part of understanding the full history of Charleston. In the afternoon, we embarked on a Charleston city tour. It was great to get a glimpse of the College of Charleston, where we learned that, historically, it was mostly female, and The Citadel, an all-male institution for much of its history. Both colleges had an interesting history of excluding women for many years, which made for some fascinating conversation with our guide. The history lesson didn’t stop there. We also delved into South Carolina’s role in the Civil War, learning how Charleston played a significant part in the conflict.
3/21/25
This morning started with a bit of a challenge: a 500-meter open water swim in the crisp waters of Isle of Palms. The air was cool, and the water temperature was a chilly 59 degrees, but I was determined. After all, I was going for the Arctic badge, which you earn by swimming when the temperature dips below 60 degrees. Thankfully, my trusty wetsuit kept me warm enough to power through it, and that sense of accomplishment afterward was totally worth it. There’s something incredibly refreshing about a swim like that, especially when the water is so invigoratingly cold.
After the swim, we decided to keep the adventure going by renting beach cruisers for a leisurely ride along the shore. The weather was perfect for it—sunny, but not too hot—and we biked for about 10 miles down the beach, taking in the stunning coastal views. It felt like we were riding through a postcard, with the ocean to one side and swaying palm trees on the other.
During our ride, we stopped by a local gift shop, where we were greeted by a surprise: a talking parrot! It was perched on a stand and chatting away, delighting everyone who walked by. It’s always the little unexpected moments like that that make a trip feel extra special.
As the day wound down, we made our way to Coconut Joes, a laid-back beachside restaurant on Isle of Palms. The food and drinks were absolutely delicious—perfect after a day of swimming and biking. We enjoyed some refreshing cocktails and a variety of dishes while soaking in the relaxed beach vibe. With the ocean breeze and good food, it felt like the perfect ending to an active and memorable day.
3/22/25
One of the best parts of staying in Charleston was the hotel pond right outside our room. It wasn’t just any pond—it had its own little ecosystem, complete with alligators and turtles! We had a blast watching the creatures, and we even named the friendly alligator we spotted “Bert”. He seemed to enjoy basking in the sun, and we’d check in on him every chance we got. There’s something about sharing space with wildlife that makes you feel truly connected to nature.
After some relaxing time by the pool, we decided to dive into some adventure. We rented bikes and set off on a long ride down the Sea2Harbor trail, which took us all the way to Charleston and then onto Sullivan’s Island. The trail was beautiful and peaceful, and we enjoyed the scenic ride with a mix of beach views, marshlands, and coastal charm. Sullivan’s Island was buzzing with activity when we arrived. There were parasailers soaring through the sky, making a colorful contrast against the blue backdrop. The otters in the area put on a little show, popping their heads up from the water, and we even caught sight of jumping dolphins in the distance! It was the kind of day where the wildlife seemed to be out to put on a performance just for us. We also saw fishermen along the shore, casting their lines into the ocean as they enjoyed the perfect weather.
As the day began to wind down, I insisted that we all head to the beach for some sunset pictures. There’s something about the golden hour on the beach that makes everything look magical. We snapped a ton of photos with the sky painted in warm hues of orange, pink, and purple, making memories that I know will last a lifetime. From wildlife sightings to scenic bike rides and finally sunset photo ops, this day in Charleston had it all—nature, adventure, and the perfect ending by the ocean.
3/23/25
Our final day in Charleston was a blend of reflection, excitement, and one last dose of adventure before heading home. We couldn’t leave without snapping a picture of Connor playing guitar on the beach—a perfect way to capture the growth he’d experienced during the trip. Over the course of our vacation, he’d really refined his guitar skills, and it was incredible to see his confidence grow. The sound of his guitar, blending with the waves and the cool ocean breeze, was the perfect soundtrack to the end of our trip.
Connor shared that he was starting to feel more excited about his upcoming graduation. It’s a big milestone for him, and he’s eager to step into the next chapter of his life. We also had an important conversation about leaving behind some of the challenges from this year. He even told us that he might want to walk in his graduation ceremony, something that felt like a step toward fully embracing the future.
Before heading to the airport, I made sure to fit in a few final moments of personal enjoyment. I took the opportunity to do a 1000-meter open water swim, relishing the cool water one last time before we left. The swim was refreshing and gave me that final sense of connection to the place.
Afterward, we grabbed breakfast at Coastal Provisions, a cozy spot with delicious food and the perfect vibe to end our stay. I also squeezed in a short bike ride to enjoy the morning air, a peaceful way to say goodbye to the beautiful landscapes we had spent the week exploring.
As we headed back home, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories we’d made—especially seeing Connor so excited about his future. It was the perfect end to a vacation full of growth, adventure, and moments that will last forever.
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