5 important things to know about our corner of South Carolina known as the Lowcountry
Have you ever wondered what the little corner of South Carolina known as the Lowcountry is all about?
What should you expect when visiting the Lowcountry?
What makes it so different?
The South Carolina Lowcountry is as unique and serene as one can imagine. With tall grasses swaying in the wind in the salt marshes and great herons flying overhead while a flock of ibis look for food in the pluff mud at low tide, the Lowcountry is quintessentially southern and the figurehead of coastal South Carolina in many ways.
The Palmetto State’s Lowcountry region specifically refers to the southern, easternmost area of the state and comprises 11 counties with a significant presence of salt marshes and biodiversity. The 11 counties include: Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper, Allendale, Bamberg, Orangeburg, Calhoun and Berkeley counties.
When visiting the Lowcountry, it’s important to remember these five facts.
Humidity
The Lowcountry is quite humid. You can’t escape it unless you’re indoors blasting the air conditioning. If the air conditioning ever goes out, which it does, trying to ride it out instead of calling immediately to get it fixed is seldom an option. Because of the region’s subtropical location off the Atlantic Coast, humidity levels can be quite high year round with relatively mildly temperate winters.
Bugs
Because of the wet, subtropical climate and therefore humid temperatures, the South Carolina Lowcountry is home to many different bug species. Ranging from large wolf or banana spiders, palmetto bugs, noseeums and caterpillars that can cause a nasty rash, the region has quite a variety of creepy crawlers. Being aware of these critters on your next visit to the Lowcountry can prevent any unnecessary scares when seeing a larger (or smaller) than usual unknown bug. They can be anywhere in the Lowcountry, even in the most pristine of places.
Things to be aware of
With many beautiful coastal landscapes and wildlife to observe in the Lowcountry, there are some that are best seen from a safe distance. Be aware of the large presence of snakes, alligators, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, mantis shrimp, pluff mud and sharp oyster shells.
The region is home to several snake species, both venomous and nonvenomous. Snakes have the ability to blend into their surrounding environment, climb trees and hide in bushes. Some even have the ability to swim.
Alligators are a common sight in the Lowcountry and remain relatively harmless when left alone, at a distance and unfed by humans. It is especially important to keep your distance during alligator breeding season when they are more mobile, aggressive and territorial.
Serious shark attacks remain in relatively small numbers along the South Carolina coast, but sightings can be quite frequent in the summer. It is important to evacuate the water when beach patrol and lifeguards call for it.
Stingray and jellyfish injuries can be painful. They are both generally found in shallow, warmer waters along the shore. Mantis shrimp also prefer the shallower, warmer waters along the coast and have the ability to ‘slice human fingers to the bone.’
As for pluff mud and oysters shells, stepping on oyster shells knowingly or unknowingly have shred many shoes. They are incredibly sharp and not something a member of your family would want to accidentally do while barefoot or wearing thin-soled shoes. The shells are generally found in pluff mud, which can be dangerous all on its own. Pluff mud is a smelly mud composed of decaying matter that makes up the salt marsh’s ecosystem. It can be incredibly sticky and easy to sink into as it can act similarly to quicksand.
Culture
Culture in the Lowcountry is very diverse and specific to the region as it has several different influences. Most prominently, the Gullah culture is at the forefront of the area with several historic sites, cuisine and educational opportunities from those carrying on the culture. This includes the practice of sweetgrass basket weaving, which is specific to this area of the United States. The Gullah culture runs deep in the Lowcountry and is at the forefront of local histories.
Lowcountry Living
The Lowcountry is quintessentially unique. It is its own separate entity from the rest of South Carolina and even the country. From the people to the culture to wildlife or landscapes, this region is one of a kind. The way of living is slower paced and generally has a more overall relaxed ambiance.
The cuisine has evolved from historic southern culture to combine with several different influences, such as Cajun and West-African. For those who haven’t tried it, frogmore stew is a staple in the area among many other dishes.
The unique Lowcountry salt marshes are a site many anticipate seeing and the colors of Lowcountry landscapes, while vibrant always, are amplified following a rainstorm.
The area is rich with history and geographically-specific architecture.
Many visitors or locals may opt to marvel at the marshes while biking along trails shaded by Spanish moss-covered live oak trees, try a region-specific meal that includes shrimp every-which-way or browse a local market selling sweetgrass baskets. Whichever activity sparks your interest, the Lowcountry is one of a kind.
