by Krysta Chapman

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRYSTA CHAPMAN

It should be said from the start that nothing about Daufuskie Island will be what you expect.

It was a simple drive from my starting point of Charleston, SC, and located just off the shore of Hilton Head Island, it’s a rather simple drive for most along the East Coast. Once you get there you’ll hop on a ferry and settle in for a 30 or so minute boat ride to your destination dock of choice: the Melrose Landing Dock on the Daufuskie side or Haig Point Dock. 

While you could use your ferry ride to power nap, I’d suggest taking in the stunning real estate along the water or keeping an eye out for dolphins—both of which were a pleasant surprise on our afternoon journey.

Our trip had us debarking in Haig Point for a three night stay at The Strachan Mansion, originally built in 1910 on St. Simons Island. Upon threat of being torn down, the mansion was moved in 1986 to Haig Point with two barges over the course of three days and lovingly restored. Four coveted rooms inside The Mansion are available year round to stay in, with the addition of the Historic Haig Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1873—soon to celebrate its 150th year anniversary. Known as the only lighthouse in South Carolina that can be rented, this is truly a unique opportunity for anyone lucky enough to stay in when available.

With time to explore, we hopped into our golf cart—the preferred way of transportation on the island—to take a quick tour of Haig Point. Unbeknownst to us, the island is actually broken up into two parts: inside and outside the gates. Haig Point, a private residential golf community “inside the gates”; Daufuskie Island proper is “outside” the gates and truly epitomizes ‘island life’ energy and pace.

Where Time Stands Still: Haig Point

Inside the gates you’ll find a beautifully landscaped community sprawled across just over 1,000 acres. Complete with twenty-nine holes of championship golf, two restaurants, an equestrian center, tennis courts, a clubhouse, two pools, and so much more, everything you want is just a short golf cart ride away.

As you may expect, this par 72 seaside Rees Jones Signature Calibogue course offers stunning views with a tight tree line, impeccable greens surrounded by marsh, and a unique hole-by-hole layout that makes every round a challenging but memorable experience.Though this is a private community, their ‘Golf Member For a Day’ pass is ideal for non-members vying for a chance to play the course.

Families can enjoy the equestrian center, walk through the community garden, or view the 150+ year old Tabby ruins—remnants of the slave quarters once built in Northern African tradition. Need something while on Haig Point? All shopping—save for a gift shop or general store—are a boat ride away, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to get to. A 7-minute ferry ride to Harbour Town—part of Hilton Head Island—is a quick and fun way to get anything you need. Or stay on the island and let the items come to you. Locals and visitors alike receive food orders, Amazon, and other delivery services daily via ferry. 

While there are only two options available on Haig Point, both offer phenomenal service and views, with menus that meet every craving. During your stay, check out the Grill Room inside the Haig Point Clubhouse after a round of golf and a more casual dining experience; for an unforgettable dinner, The Calibogue Club will make you swoon from first bite to last.

An Eclectic Island Feel: Daufuskie Island

Just outside the gates of Haig Point, you’ll choose explorations to the left or the right—but you can’t go wrong in any direction you go. For lunch, we highly suggest the Island Shack Cafe, new to the island this year and serving up fresh, local items like crab cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, and fish tacos. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming setup, these guys know how to bring the flavor.

More well-known in the area is the long-standing waterfront Old Daufuskie Crab Company, boasting local fish, the famous “Deviled Crab”, and a full bar. Swing by for a sunset cocktail—you’ll thank us later for the view. If you’re looking to try something interactive, a stop by the Daufuskie Island Distillery is a must. What originally began as a rum-only distillery, quickly evolved into a three spirit operation, distilling 7 different varieties of rum, bourbon, and vodka. Most popular just so happens to be their Blueberry Lavender Vodka; so popular in fact, that just this year, they released their Hair of the Dog Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Seltzer to instant success! It’s not all spirits though—bring your appetite for their new food truck pumping out delicious items such smashburgers, wings, tacos, and more. Distillery tours and tastings are available Tuesday-Saturday currently.

Other notable stops to make while outside the gates include the Iron Fish Gallery, home of handcrafted metal coastal sculptures; Silver Dew southernflavormagazine.com 43 

Winery, the oldest winery in South Carolina dating back to 1883; Daufuskie Blues textile-dyeing company; the Billie Burn Museum for historical artifacts and education related to the rich Gullah culture of the island; and Bloody Point Lighthouse.

If you haven’t realized by now, the “island with no bridge” is a special slice of heaven—inside or outside the gates. If you’re interested in visiting Haig Point yourself, consider their “Stay and Play” experiences that give your family access to the aforementioned golf, but also the equestrian center. Additionally, if what you’ve read has you interested in making this your new everyday experience, their Real Estate Discovery option is the perfect way to get a multi-day feel for the simple life.

As I said when I started, nothing about Haig Point or Daufuskie was quite what I expected. While I knew it was accessible only by boat—and traversed by golf cart, bike, or foot—I didn’t quite understand the intention behind it just yet. It’s a designed way of life; beautiful, nature-focused, and simple. Whether you’re winding through the tree-lined streets or walking the oyster-covered paths along the water, every moment feels intentionally peaceful. It’s a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of life—whether you’re a resident or just stopping by for a few days.

You can learn more about at: haigpoint.com.