It’s been rainy here lately on Edisto Beach and that’s got a lot of people wondering about what there is to do.
While there’s nothing better than hitting up the beach or getting out on the water in some fashion, there are other things to do while visiting Edisto Beach.
To begin with there is one option that is great for anyone looking to be a little lazy. After all, kicking back and relaxing is what vacation is all about, right? So if you like nothing more than to thoroughly enjoy your time at your home-away-from-home then check out a movie and sit back and relax.
You can get a movie at the Island Video Store, which has a collection of new releases and old favorites on DVD and a bunch of VHS tapes. The video store is located in Palmetto Plaza near Buck’s Pizza on Jungle Road.
Then there’s a RedBox dvd rental kiosk outside of the Piggly Wiggly. This is a new addition to the beach and is convenient for anyone looking for some 24-hour video rentals.
Shopping is another way to fill the time on a rainy day. There are several stores along Jungle Road that feature all kinds of things from clothing to arts and crafts to footwear to beach toys and equipment and more. There’s also a brand new store up in Palmetto Plaza featuring a variety of previously owned items.
If you head off the beach there is some more shopping at the Edistonian General Store on Highway 174 and inside the shopping center near the post office where the bookstore is located.
Then there are the things that some kids (and even grown-up kids) might balk at, but are actually entertaining. The museum is one of those things. Many times people hear the word “museum” and imagine a cold and sterile building filled with things that hold no interest to them. But that’s not what the Edisto museum is like. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
The Edisto Museum offers an insight into the history of the island with easy-to-read displays, original artifacts, and even a children’s room. Two slave cabins also exist on the museum property. The gift shop provides visitors with literature about the history of the island, watercolor prints, gifts, toys, and all sorts of items with a southern flair.
The museum is open from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. It is located at 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road right off of Highway 174.
Another educational thing to do involves the Environmental Learning Center located at 8377 State Cabin Road off of Palmetto Road on the island. The center is dedicated to educating visitors about the ACE Basin and ecology of the area. This ELC is self-paced and has a little something for every age group. Small children especially appreciate the saltwater tank where native critters like crabs and turtles live.
The ELC is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
As for day time activities, that’s pretty much it. Visitors can always drive around the island and explore roadside cemeteries, take pictures of old plantation homes (visible from the road many are private so trespassing is not something the homeowners appreciate), walk around the grounds of old churches, or just enjoy the scenery.
Rainy nights can be spent at one of the restaurants or bars where fresh seafood is prepared. Karaoke is available at some of the local bars (children are generally welcome as long as it’s still early enough). Live music can be heard on most weekend nights at either the Thirsty Fish or Dockside.
Other than those activities, there really isn’t much else to do other than sit back and enjoy time spent on Edisto. Some die-hards will still take to the beach even in the rain, after all, if you plan to go swimming you’re going to get wet anyway. If you’re one of these die-hards just make sure there isn’t any lightning.
You might also consider going for a walk in the rain. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a blisteringly hot day.
So while no one likes to have a rainy day on vacation, it’s just something that happens from time to time. This rainy weather that’s been hovering over Edisto for the past couple weeks is supposed to blow out by the weekend, so maybe none of these tips will have to be taken into account. But if it does rain, then take the time to find something else to do during your time here in paradise.
