Some blame it on access — the island is only accessible by boat — while others chalk it up to voodoo. Daufuskie is a place where very little happens. When it does, word travels fast down the dusty roads that connect the fledgling resort communities with the or-so year-round locals who have persisted here for generations, relying on farming, fishing, and ferries for subsistence. Look closely as you walk, pedal, or golf cart past the cabins in the woods, and you'll see eyes painted on the trees and windowsills painted indigo blue.
These measures are taken by the local Gullah-Geechee inhabitants — descendants of the enslaved people and freedmen who have farmed the island for two centuries — to ward off the "hag," an evil spirit believed to slip into bed with slumbering locals.
Maybe it's the hag that keeps Daufuskie pristine. The ambitious beachfront Melrose Resort remains shuttered, its once-grand inn slowly decaying, despite rooms with horizon views across the Atlantic. But it's the island's seemingly innate stubbornness to be developed that lends Daufuskie its charm.
And one project seems to have cracked the hag's curse. At Haig Point, directly across from Hilton Head Island, a foot-tall lighthouse, dating from , has been converted into a luxurious rental that sleeps four people, completed with a full kitchen and rocking chairs looking out over Calibogue Sound.
Nearby, the Strachan Mansion relocated to Daufuskie from St. Simons Island in includes four rooms open to travelers. In , the first Cottages at Haig Point will open, each offering comfortable common areas and six private guestrooms. This building was the Jane Hamilton School in the s; children on the north end of the island attended this school before transportation took them to the Maryfield School. Frances Jones House: Painted in bright blue and adorned with a breathtaking centuries old live oak, the Frances Jones house is a picturesque favorite for visitors.
Moses Ficklin Cottage: Here you will find yet another Gullah-constructed home positioned under a giant oak tree. Again, this house is now privately owned, but it is worth a drive-by. Bloody Point Lighthouse : Erected in , this lighthouse housed a rear-range and front-range light which helped boats navigate safely into the Savannah River. Beaches: Daufuskie offers 3 miles of pristine sand beaches, all of which are open to the public.
Bloody Point is also the local fishing hole of Daufuskie, for those of you who may want to test your luck. Dolphins, Pelicans, and Osprey are a common sight for beach-goers, as well as a wide variety of shells. Loggerhead turtles use these beaches for nesting, so be mindful by only using red flashlights at night from the months of May-October and never driving your golf cart on the beach.
Interested in volunteering at the farm during your stay? Contact Pat at to find out more. A sixth generation native, her experience on Daufuskie is a lifetime of knowledge being born and raised on the island.
She has given tours on Daufuskie for many years sharing the history of her family and what life was like then and now. Bells at the Beach: Enjoy the beautiful ocean views while dining at the Beach Club. With indoor, outdoor and screened porch seating, their new menu and dinner special are sure to please the entire family! It has been a hit ever since, with people flocking to their doors for lunch.
The meals are southern-focused, hearty, yet quickly arrive after ordering. Old Daufuskie Crab Company: Located in the Freeport Marina, the Crab Company offers a variety of southern dishes including deviled crab, local fish, chicken quesadillas, and burgers. Seating includes picnic tables outside overlooking the Freeport dock.
School Grounds Coffee: Located in the old cafeteria of Maryfield School, stop by the coffee shop for a delicious treat. In addition to their top quality coffee, School Grounds also offers iced lemonades, teas and sweet treats. Dining on Daufuskie Island. How to Get to Daufuskie Part of our charm, and what makes Daufuskie so authentic and irreplaceable, is that there is no bridge to Daufuskie Island.
Tour Daufuskie offers 4-passenger golf cart rentals for self-guided adventures. Daufuskie Island Rental Homes and Accommodations Daufuskie Island is truly one of the best kept secrets on the east coast for the perfect family coastal vacation. Daufuskie Island Artisans These creative minds have made a splash among locals and visitors alike.
Meet our local artisans and check out their off-beat galleries. Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Tours : See Daufuskie from one of the most unique perspectives…the water! At any point during your stay, you can visit the Tour Daufuskie kiosk in Melrose to rent kayaks or paddleboards. Paddle with the dolphins or explore the ever-changing ecosystem of the nearby sandbar.
Self-guided Golf Cart Tour : Would you rather explore the island on your own? Daufuskie is a community designed to promote a luxurious lifestyle of year-round vacationing, relaxation, and enjoyment. And that means top-notch golf at every turn. Though only 8 square miles, Daufuskie Island overflows with rich history. During the Civil War, Daufuskie played its part with runaway slave routes to freedom and violent battle scenes. Today, rich historical tributes of freed slaves can still be found in the area.
Daufuskie is a secret treasure to any history buff. Daufuskie Island is part of the Beaufort County School District , where small classrooms and outstanding teachers allow children to construct an exceptional educational foundation that prepares students for college and beyond.
Additionally, students enjoy the unique experience of commuting to school by boat. When you are ready to make your dream a reality, feel free to search Daufuskie Island homes for sale , browse Daufuskie Island communities and neighborhoods and request a Daufuskie Buyers Guide.
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