​​Sullivan’s Serendipity: An Island Travel Diary

Zimmerman dress ($1,600), Autumn Adeigbo dress ($595) from Hampden Clothing, Mandolin from Terrace Oaks Antiques, contact directly for pricing

Photographer: Caroline Knopf
Wardrobe stylist: Alexandra Munzel
Prop Stylist: Maria Jenkins
Make-up Artist: Elina Mille
Hair Stylist: Katie Shayda
Retouching & Production: The Space Charleston / Mark Stetler
Models: Haylee Michalski (Directions USA) Lachelle (Select Model Management)
Props: Terrace Oaks Antiques
Locations: Sullivan’s Island: The Longboard, The Gold Bug Tree

There are few places left in the world you can visit as an outsider and be welcomed as if you were family. Sullivan’s Island is one of those special places where the magic and merit of “Southerness” is preserved. From culture, to history, to nature — the spirit of this island is unlike any other.

The Porch  

A quintessential setting to many important Southern rituals. It’s where one peacefully sips coffee to prepare for the day ahead and unwinds after the day is done. It’s the heartbeat of hospitality, and where families gather after sunset to share stories. This sentiment still runs through Sullivan’s Island, and is a point of pride to the islanders — protected fiercely and passed down through generations — like this 1910 bungalow, former home of Dr. and Mrs. George Buxton. With designer Nick Olsen’s help, the new owners have restored the rambling bungalow to its historic, island roots, the property rimmed with palms and tropical foliage, an amalgam of past and present.

Location: The Longboard. Mara Hoffman top ($295), from Hampden Clothing, Citrine “Ruby” swim bottom ($106), Abby Alley “Eva” rings ($52/each) from Goldbug Nimbus earrings ($64), from House of Nomad, Fedora ($160), from Goorin Bros, Suburban Jungle cocktail from The Longboard

The Longboard 

A second iteration of its original location in St. John, USVI. The restaurant infuses Sullivan’s Island with Caribbean flavor, further enriching the island ethos. longboardsullivans.com

Bike courtesy of Goldbug, Agua by Agua Bendita dress ($810), from Hampden Clothing, Steve Madden sandals ($79.95)

The Sullivan’s Island Life-Saving Station 

Established in 1894 it predates the U.S. Coast Guard. To serve the dire need for a marine life-saving network, the United States Life-Saving Service (USLSS) was born. Crew members risked their lives assisting boats, ships, and boaters in distress. Eventually, the USLSS became the Coast Guard in 1915 and acquired more resources, but the spirit of dedication of the original crew members was never lost. Today, the waterways are just as significant to those who love Sullivan’s Island — respect for the sea is a part of life. 

Kika Vargas dress ($620), Alexis dress ($880), from Hampden Clothing

The Gold Bug Tree  

It is not rare for the landscape of the Coastal South to inspire art. Whether with paint, a lens, or words, artists have worked to capture the majesty of the water and the romance of the land. The tree pictured inspired Edgar Allen Poe’s most celebrated story of his lifetime, “The Gold-Bug,” which he wrote while stationed at Ft. Moultrie. The residents of Sullivan’s Island embrace this connection to Poe and have named their public library after him. Visitors, like Poe was, can reap inspiration just as artists have for centuries. 

Location: The Longboard Zimmerman maillot ($360), No Pise La Grama top ($320), from Hampden Clothing, Greenpacha straw hat ($189), bby Alley ring ($48), from Goldbug

Kika Vargas dress ($686), from Hampden Clothing, Attaché from Terrace Oaks Antiques, contact directly for pricing

The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

Also known as “Charleston Light”, it’s the last lighthouse built by the federal government. The monolithic structure overlooks Charleston Harbor, some of the South’s most historic sites, and abundant natural beauty. Much of the 190 acres of land near the lighthouse — dune grasses, flowers, and shrubs populated by diverse animal inhabitants — is protected in a “Maritime Forest” land trust owned by Sullivan’s Islanders. The nature trail beginning at Station 16 provides a serene scenic journey to the lighthouse and adjacent beaches.

Zimmerman dress ($495), Aje dress ($595), from Hampden Clothing, Greenpacha hat ($208), from Goldbug

To learn more about a Sullivan’s Island adventure, dining, historic sites, art, museums and recreation, visit discoversouthcarolina.com/sullivans-island.

Discover the history of the Island Battery Gadsen Cultural Center at batterygadsen.com

And for Maritime Forest and walking path information, visit sullivansislandforall.org.

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