Independence Day on Edisto

Celebrating Independence Day is a quintessential part of summer. Celebrating the holiday on Edisto Beach is just awesome.

Here’s the thing about an Independence Day spent on Edisto Beach – you gotta plan ahead and know what to expect. Check out this list to know the ins and outs of what it takes to make sure your beach plans go off without a hitch on the fourth of July.

Stock Up: Edisto is a spectacular place, but it only has one grocery store, and that store tends to run out of products rather quickly. So, unless you like eating Vienna sausage with a side of animal crackers, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of food and drinks for your celebration because it is likely the Bi-Lo will be running short on just about everything.

Keep in mind that’s no slight on the store itself; it has way more to do with the fact that Independence Day is the busiest time of year for our tiny beach town and every visitor is exceedingly hungry and thirsty upon arrival.

One thing you’ll definitely want to make sure you have TONS of is this: Bagged ice.

Ice is for sale in many locations on the island and each one is certain to run out at some point. That includes the Twice the Ice stations located near the Bi-Lo.

You’ll have to drive into Hollywood or Charleston to get groceries if you want to make sure you have plenty of options. Wal-Mart in West Ashley is open 24-hours as is the Harris Teeter on Highway 17.

Book Early: Chances are, if you’re reading this now and don’t already have a place booked for your July 4^th getaway, then you won’t find a place in time (unless you’ve got friends or family members on the island ready to offer up a couch to you and yours).

The rental agencies, camp grounds, and even private homes are almost always booked well in advance. That said, you should go ahead and book your celebration for next year right now to make sure you lock down a place in time.

If you live close enough to come down to the beach just for the day, you’ll have a difficult time finding parking in spite of the fact that parking is available on every street on Edisto Beach. Be sure to avoid parking in the Bi-Lo parking lot or at the Pavilion. If someone notices you’re using the lot for beach parking, then you’ll get a ticket or towed.

Remember the Rules: Fireworks are not permitted on Edisto Beach. Don’t even try it. The police will be out in full force throughout the holiday to make sure fireworks do not happen. If you want to see a show, head into Charleston (we’ll tell you about some great places to go in an upcoming blog).

Also, visitors have a tendency to forget some laws while in town, which is normal, after all, a good vacation means one should never have to think, but be sure to wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, and do not drink and drive. Don’t let your buddy drive while you drink, either. Checkpoints are put into place on July 4 (and during random other points throughout the year) and you don’t want a ticket as a souvenir.

Obey golf cart laws, as well. This means stay off of Palmetto Boulevard unless you’re crossing to go to the beach, do not drive while it is dark, don’t let unlicensed individuals drive, and don’t drink and drive. Open container laws exist in the world of golf carts as well, so bear that in mind.

Have Fun: Embrace Edisto’s busiest weekend and have a blast if you’re in town. It’s the one time of year when the beach is packed (don’t worry, the 4^th is the only day when it is fully packed, the day-trippers go home and things get back to their Edislow style quickly).

If you’re old enough, check out the bar scene at Whaley’s or the Thirsty Fish. If you’re not old enough, enjoy hunting for ghost crabs on the beach or laughing with friends back at your beach house.

Most of all, have a safe and happy holiday!