The beauty of Brays Island lies in the iconic lowcountry surroundings, accessibility to outdoor sporting activities and serenity of the 5,500 acres, but just outside of Brays lies three of the South’s most charming cities. With Beaufort, Charleston and Savannah all just a short drive away, Brays Island owners need not go far for the finest in arts, culture, shopping and dining—as well as everyday necessities.
Consistently ranked as a top destination by Travel + Leisure, Charleston combines world-class cuisine with one-of-a-kind experiences. An hour drive from Brays Island, many owners head to Charleston for the food, for the beaches and for the sites. Walk the cobblestone streets lined with historic homes, tour Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown, and shop your way from one end of King Street to the other. Enjoy popular annual events such as the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and the Spoleto Festival USA.
EAT
If there’s one thing Charleston, SC is known for, it’s impeccable dining. Between the art wine bars and gospel brunch, rooftop views and outdoor cafes, dining out in Charleston is an event in and of itself. Indulge in classic lowcountry cuisine from Magnolias, 82 Queen or Poogan’s Porch, Charleston’s oldest independent dining establishment. Shuck oysters at Bowen’s Island by Folly Beach, or enjoy them on the halfshell at The Ordinary or The Darling Oyster Bar downtown.
EXPLORE
While large scale events such as SEWE or Charleston Wine + Food festival often draw owners to Charleston for a dedicated trip, many will visit for a change of scenery and a walk through history. Visit the Charleston City Market to browse work from local artists and craftsmen, iconic sweetgrass baskets, and lowcountry trinkets. Stroll down Rainbow Row for a view of the renowned pastel colored historic homes toward the Battery. The Battery and White Point Gardens is a Charleston landmark, “defensive seawall and promenade famous for its stately antebellum homes.” From there you can see, or even take a boat cruise to Castle Pinckney and Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Just outside the city, well-known plantations including Boone Hall Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, and Middleton Plantation are full of history and stunning gardens.
STAY
While Charleston is just a short drive from Brays Island, many of our owners will make a weekend or night out of the trip. With plenty of boutique hotels in the heart of downtown, owners can choose from distinct accommodations like Hotel Bennett, Hotel Bella Grace, The Dewberry or Zero George. Each hotel is in the heart of downtown and within walking distance to all of the eating, exploring and entertainment that Charleston has to offer.
Owners are very fond of visiting the South’s most picturesque city, full of history, beauty, and dining. Our Owner Services team has even curated dedicated trips to the Holy City with full itineraries for weekend excursions.