Did you know South Carolina has over 30 sea islands? It’s pretty amazing to live in a state where no matter where you are located, you can drive half a day or less from many areas and instantly experience a laid-back lowcountry lifestyle. Or just take a nice, relaxing scenic drive in South Carolina with gorgeous sights as well as a few old-fashioned places to eat or shop. It’s the perfect weekend day trip.
This scenic drive along Highway 700 we have for you today is a 38-minute, 21.5-mile drive if you are driving straight through. We are starting the route on James Island. It stretches through Johns Island and ends on Wadmalaw Island. You'll want to plan for the amount of time you'd like to spend at each stop to determine how long the trip will take overall.
This map will help you see the route and plan your trip. Visit Google Maps for the interactive version if you wish to adapt, such as beginning on the Wadmalaw Island end or removing any stops you may not wish to visit.
Palm trees are common scenery you'll enjoy as you begin the drive on the James Island end of the route.
1. My Father's Moustache Eatery & Pub, James Island
Voted Best Authentic Pub in Charleston in 2015, here you will enjoy a nice selection of beers, including British stouts and ciders, as well as fine craft beers. There's a full bar and six TVs round out the establishment. Parking is not likely to be a problem, which is a plus, especially in the Charleston area. There's also a location in Mount Pleasant if you ever happen to be in that part of the area.
Some customer favorites from the menu are the fish and chips, next-level short rib risotto, and the beer battered fries.
2. Patina Market, James Island
Patina Market is a vendor mall with an eclectic mix of over 40 vendors carrying furniture and accessories ranging from antique to new. You'll also find one-of-a-kind goods from local artists and artisans. Follow its stories on Facebook for updates on new items as they arrive (link at end of the article below).
3. Sweet Rhi, James Island
Sweet Rhi is an award-winning bakery that offers cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats for special occasion events. You're probably not going to stop here unless you've got a special occasion in the area coming up you may need its services for. In that case, it offers cake tastings to help you decide on what will be best for the occasion.
4. Terrace Oaks Antique Mall, James Island
Voted the #1 Antique Mall in Charleston, you can find treasures of all kinds at this stop!
About 4.5 miles after starting the route, you will cross over the Stono River.
5. Simply Seafood, Johns Island
Stop at Simply Seafood for a bite to eat or to get some fresh seafood. These shrimp tacos look delicious!
6. Bugby Plantation U-Pick Market, Wadmalaw Island
Pick your own produce at Bugby Plantation! Follow its Facebook page (linked below) for updates on what's available when.
You'll see moss-draped live oaks stretching across the road on Wadmalaw Island.
7. HUM Grocery at Historic P.M. King's
Probably the most old-fashioned of all the stops, this little family-owned mom-and-pop grocery store also serves some good meals. Popular among customers is the BBQ, the chicken salad sandwich, and tomato soup. The only seating available is some picnic tables outside. You'll also find local art in the store. It's a must-see hidden gem, highly rated by those who have discovered it.
Ready to take this road trip? Visit each of the websites or Facebook pages for these stops for more information:
My Father’s Moustache Facebook page
Terrace Oaks Antique Mall website
Terrace Oaks Antique Mall Facebook page
Bugby Plantation U-Pick Market Facebook page
HUM Grocery at Historic P.M. King’s does not have a website or Facebook page. You can follow HUM Grocery on Instagram for updates.
Which of these stops is most appealing to you and why? Share with us in the comments below!
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